excited to join the ranks of laptop-toting truckers, there was no way I envi-
sioned just how indispensable my portable PC would become. Before I knew
it, I'd found tons of things I could do with my laptop and I couldn't imagine
leaving home without it. For example, besides just e-mailing and Web surfing,
I use my laptop to
Download music: And, after amassing quite an eclectic collection, I can
burn some really entertaining CDs. (More about this in Chapter 16.)
Maintain my OTR office: With the addition of a few software applica-
tions, I can find freight, keep a digital log book, balance my checkbook,
pay my bills, budget my income, and file my income tax returns. I can
even use my laptop as a phone. (Find out more about these subjects in
Chapters 13 and 14.)
Find destinations: I used to call every shipper and receiver that I hadn't
previously visited to get directions. After installing a GPS receiver and
mapping software, I've saved a ton of cellphone minutes that are better
used calling people I really want to talk with (even some who want to
speak with me!). I still make occasional calls to confirm appointments
but directions are a done deal. (More about GPS in Chapter 14.)
Watch movies on DVD: I don't download a lot of movies but I do rent
quite a few from Netflix. It usually works out pretty well. I take the movies
with me, drop 'em in the mail after viewing, and when I get home, new
ones are waiting. Blockbuster has a similar online service.
If you're considering the purchase of a laptop as a way to enhance the enjoy-
ment of time spent traveling the highways, take a look at the next sections for
ideas to keep in mind while shopping.
Ensuring wireless capability
It's hard to find a new laptop these days that doesn't come with integrated
802.11b or 802.11g wireless capability (check out Chapter 2 for a full explana-
tion of wireless standards) -- built-in wireless isn't a strict necessity. Almost
every laptop has a standard PCMCIA (PC card) slot or USB port that allows
easy adaptation to wireless connectivity. Chances are good that the laptop
you choose will be equipped with multiple PC card slots and USB ports. Not
that you need a whole bunch of slots and ports to get connected the wireless
way, but having 'em can work to your advantage.
For example, using a wireless adapter that fits into one of your PC's extra
slots can actually improve your ability to access a wireless signal. When
you're parked in a space far, far away from the access point, the Wi-Fi signal
Part I: The Wonderful World of Wireless Fidelity
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