Bags packed? Check. Gas in the car? Check. Tech ready? Probably not.
You may have a nifty waterproof case, but there's more you can do to get the most out of your tech while you're away from home. Before you head out on that much needed vacation, prep your tech for the road.
Sync your stuff. If you have i-devices or use cloud services such as Dropbox, sync before you leave home so that all your documents, photos, music and videos are up to date, especially if you won't have access to the Internet while you're gone. This will also ensure that little Tommy doesn't riot when he discovers that you forgot to update the iPod with the latest "Cars" movie.
Set up remote login. As great as it'd be to unplug while away from home, it's more likely you'll need to access something while on vacation. Instead of lugging your computer along to Hawaii, consider installing software that will allow you to remotely access your PC. LogMeIn (https://secure.logmein.com/) is simple to set up and offers you free remote access to your desktop so you can open files, check your email and run programs from your mobile device or any computer via the Internet.
Organize your itinerary. Tripit offers a free service to consolidate your hotel, rental cars and airline reservations into one slick itinerary that can be accessed from anywhere. It will contain all the important details you need, including flight dates and times, reservation numbers, etc., plus cool extras like maps and the local weather forecast. Organize everything from restaurant reservations to movie tickets, sync it to your phone's calendar and share your travel plans with family, friends and co-workers. Upgrade to Tripit Pro (free 30-day trial, then $50 a year) and you'll also receive mobile alerts about flight delays or cancellations, info about potential airline refunds, even complimentary memberships to rental car companies.
Find free Wi-Fi. Locating free Wi-Fi in a major metropolitan area can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Your laptop may identify five networks, only to discover that none are open to the public (after wasting 10 minutes trying to connect to each one). Before you head out on the road, go online to JiWire's global wireless hotspot directory to access a huge network of free and paid public Wi-Fi hotspots. Just search the city you're going to for a list of registered public Wi-Fi locations (Redding showed 42 registered hotspots!), or see them on a map by clicking the "Area Map" tab. iPhone and Android smartphone users can install the free Wi-Fi Finder app for finding Wi-Fi when you're on the go.
Stay connected. If you don't want to drive around town tracking down free Wi-Fi, consider investing in a mobile wireless card, like a MiFi. About the size of a credit card, the MiFi broadcasts Internet anywhere you have access to a cell signal, allowing wireless enabled devices within range to get online. While all wireless carriers offer a similar card, Virgin's pay-as-you go option (around $100 for the card, data blocks starting at $20) allows you to buy a single month's access to avoid signing a multi-year contract if you just want it for your vacation. Check their coverage map to make sure your destination falls within their service area.
Accessorize. Don't forget to pack your cables to charge and sync. What if Uncle Henry wants to see the video you just shot of your hike to that waterfall? Additional memory cards and a USB flash drive can come in handy when fellow travelers want to get copies of your photos or videos or if you want theirs. Backup battery chargers such as those made by HyperJuice for USB charging devices (including iPods, iPads, and most smartphones) can prevent you from running out of power in the middle of the "Star Wars" marathon on your way to Disney World. Doesn't everyone bring Han Solo and Chewie along on their vacations? No?
For more helpful tips on protecting your travel tech reach out to Andrea at Computer Repair by Nerds On Call
Andrea Eldridge is CEO of Nerds On Call which offers on-site computer and home theater set-up and repair. Andrea is the syndicated columnist of Computer Nerds On Call (for Scripps-Howard Newspapers) and Nerd Chick Adventures, which runs weekly in the Redding Record Searchlight.
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