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....