The portable computer has become a staple for many business travelers. If you are planning to travel with yours here are some things to check before you go.

--You will be required to pass your computer through the hand carry baggage X-ray scanner. The X-ray machine will not harm your disk drive although some travelers prefer to carry their floppy diskettes around the X-ray and hand to the guard for review.
- Carry your computer separately from your luggage so that you can easily present it to airport security.

ƒÏ Expect to be stopped at the airport by security. You may be asked to power up your computer to ensure that it is not a security threat. Make sure the computer has enough battery charge to do this multiple times.
ƒÏ Keep your eye on the portable computer while on the belt lest someone picks it up in error or intended theft.

ƒÏ If you plan to work on the plane you will not be allowed to power up until the airplane is at cruising altitude and you will need to turn off during the airplane descent.
ƒÏ Check to see if your portable computer has an international power supply so that you can plug in to various outlets. Bring adapters for the different countries you will visit.

- Most business travelers suggest to carry at least two batteries with you for back up and to upgrade your batteries where possible to longer life batteries.
ƒÏ Check with your International hotel in advance to find out if your room will have a data line and a telephone line so you can plug in your computer and use the phone at the same time. Some hotels now offer in- room PC¡¦s so you can just bring diskettes etc.
ƒÏ Make sure you pack all necessary items to create an international connection such as a small screwdriver, adaptor jacks, security password cards etc.
ƒÏ Make sure you get all necessary phone numbers and set up information in advance.
ƒÏ If you work for a large firm you should confirm in advance all necessary phone numbers and make any necessary changes before you leave. Print out phone numbers for multiple cities and locations that you might possibly be in.
ƒÏ If you work for a small firm, or you own your own firm call your ISP (internet service provider) before you go and make sure they have international connections and phone numbers where you are traveling. Some do not.
ƒÏ Check your email software package. Some will allow you to put in your own phone calling card. This will be cheaper than using the hotel phone line.
ƒÏ Make sure you test your connection before you go. It is worth the long distance call to ensure that a connection can be made.
ƒÏ Make sure you bring all necessary files with you and have them loaded on the portable computer before you go.

Dr. Tracey Wilen (www.globalwomen.biz) is the author of International Business: A Basic Guide for Women (2001), ($16.00 USD) , Europe for Women in Business, ($12.95 USD) and co-author of Asia for Woman in Business, ($15.00 USD) Doing Business with Japanese Men, ($9.95 USD) and Doing Business with Western Women (Tokyo Only). Well known to the media, she has been on major television and radio network programs and has published numerous in major newspapers worldwide as well. She is a frequent speaker at major business and women¡¦s conferences and corporations on this subject. She is currently working at Cisco Systems in business management and is an adjunct professor at local universities. Books are available at www.amazon.com, www.xlibris.com, www.bn.com, and www.borders.com.

Tracey Wilen
Writes for http://www.globalwomen.biz/