Chapter 3
Gearing Up
In This Chapter
Evaluating your OTR environment
Choosing a laptop or a PDA
Picking out a wireless adapter
Extending wireless capacity
J
oining in the fun and excitement of the Wi-Fi revolution may mean purchas-
ing some really cool computer gear. If you're like me, just the thought of
buying computer-related equipment sends shivers of excitement down your
spine. (I even get those shivers at the thought of you buying some cool stuff.)
In this chapter, I help you shop for your gear by pointing out the major pieces
of equipment you need, as well as any features you should look for. I look at
ways to integrate the two most travel-friendly PCs -- laptop and handheld --
into the freedoms and limitations of your over-the-road surroundings, and
enhance their capabilities to meet your needs better.
Surveying Your Needs Before You Shop
Before you run off to the CompuMart, take some time to think about what
equipment will best suit your over-the-road computing needs. (For example,
look at Chapters 13 and 14 if you're still trying to figure out what those needs
are!) With your computing requirements in mind, think about matching the
conditions of your over-the-road (OTR) environment to the characteristics of
the equipment.
Because you're traveling the highways in a vehicle that affords you more
room than those poor unfortunates trapped in the confines of an airplane
seat, your criteria for choosing a computing device and accessories will be
less constrained than theirs. You can have that laptop that weighs ten pounds
and sports a wide screen. You don't need to limit yourself to a tiny ultra-
portable; you can have a big, full-featured, truck-size desktop replacement.
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