Because this is true -- and because I believe it'll remain true for quite some
time -- I continue to carry the necessary gear for getting connected the old-
fashioned way. Among the items I find necessary and useful are
Retractable phone cord: When my laptop's wired to the wall, I don't like
to sit under the motel desk. So I always carry a 20-foot phone cord. It
doesn't have to be retractable, but retractable is nice.
Retractable Ethernet cable: For the most part, you won't find
retractable Ethernet cords in lengths much longer than eight feet. If you
need more length, you'll have to carry it the old-fashioned way.
I use the Model PA205U retractable phone cord from Targus (www·
targus·com/us
), which also sells a variety of computer travel gear.
You can also find retractable phone cords and Ethernet cables at
CableOrganizer·com (http://cableorganizer·com/retractable),
Cables To Go (www·cablestogo·com), and Belkin (www·belkin·com).
Belkin's 7-in-1 Retractable Cable Pack is the Swiss Army Knife of cable
organizers.
Modem: Chances are good (especially if your laptop's less than a few
years old) that you've got a built-in modem, but if not, you can purchase
a PC-card modem that looks very much like a PC-card Wi-Fi adapter.
Modem saver: Your phone modem's designed to handle a low-voltage
analog signal. Many hotels and motels, however -- because of their PBX
switching needs -- use a digital line. This can fry your modem like a
cheap steak. Even worse, if you're using a laptop with an integrated
modem, you can put your entire computer at risk because the internal
modem's plugged into the motherboard. To alleviate the problem, look
for a phone equipped with a data port in your hotel room. By using the
data port rather than plugging your phone line directly into the wall
plug, you can avoid any potential damage. If you don't have the option of
using a data port, you can employ a digital line converter. These are
handy items, but they're also pretty expensive.
Of course, even the lack of a data port doesn't necessarily mean the
line's unsuitable for use with your modem. But how do you know for
sure? Elementary, my dear reader -- you simply use a digital line tester.
TeleAdapt, for example, manufactures the TeleTester Pro (NF) that
can, by detecting a high-amperage line, help you avoid damaging your
modem. If the line's suitable for use, it'll indicate that, too. See www·
teleadapt·com
.
Delving into Dialup
Back in days of old, when dialup was dominant, I remember being thrilled to
hear those familiar sounds indicating my modem was making a connection.
Part III: Bridging the Wireless Gap
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