The Mobile Executive

Oops-Proof Computer for the Road

 

LOS ANGELES -- The Toughbook is great for the mobile executive on the go. The screen is a decent size and it only weighs three pounds. Gadget Grrl says it stands up to most dings and drops -- hence its name. It is also spill resistant and fits nicely on an airline tray. Plus, if you have pets or work in a tight space, keep your laptop in a safe place with the Laptop Hideaway from Belkin.

Toughbook W7
$2,099
panasonic.com

Besides the great size and ultralight weight, at three pounds, this new Toughbook W7 model is a dream machine for the road. The screen size measures 12.1" and the seven-hour battery life won't leave you stranded or groveling on the ground searching for power. For starters, there are many inputs/outputs to get data in or out. Unlike the MAC Airbook, with one USB and no firewire, the Toughbook sports three USB ports along with a built-in optical drive, express card slot and an SD card reader.

I particularly like the narrow size of the W7 because it gives me enough room on a typical airline tray table to plug in a mouse.

It comes with a choice of built-in 3G mobile broadband solutions from AT&T(T Quote), Sprint(S Quote) or Verizon Wireless(VZ Quote). And a spill-proof keyboard protects against liquid spills (up to 6 ounces) to cover those clumsy passengers next to you. It can also survive a 1-ft. drop on 26 different angles onto a hard surface and the hard drive can survive a 2.5-ft. drop.

The price might make you think twice, but if you've ever replaced a laptop after dropping it or spilling on it, you will likely think it's worth it.

These features make this a great road machine, especially for the business traveler who needs an all-around PC to handle anything that comes down the pike.

Laptop Hideaway
$49.99
belkin.com

The Laptop Hideaway is a great way to set your laptop in a safe place -- on the floor next to your desk, couch, bed, chair -- without it toppling over. This would be especially handy if you have pets or if you live or work in a small space where clutter is an issue.

The Hideway will store a 15.4 inch laptop in either a widescreen or standard screen model. And it comes in two color schemes: dove/tarragon and chocolate/tourmaline. I prefer the chocolate because it won't show dirt as easily. Both have a durable, hand-washable surface and you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth.

The case can also easily store your power supply, mouse or documents.

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Diana Forbes is a Los Angeles-based writer and media personality. Her "Gadget Grrl" reviews appear in various national print and online publications, and she demonstrates consumer products on national and local television shows. Click here to visit her Gadgetgrrl Web site.




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