RMG199 - Traveling Mac Daddy

RMG199

It's the "gee it's hot" edition of Radio MacGuys sponsored by Summer Vacations.

To start with, you'll need a little extra cash to spend along the road. Remember those Epson printers they gave away with the purchase of a iMac or laptop a couple of years ago. If you purchased an Epson printer or MFU after 4/8/99, you need to check here.

Next, you need to back it up. I'm using Backup, the way cool utility that comes with my .mac accounts. I back up a little bit of my stuff to .mac but all of it to an external drive.

I'm tough on my technology and my Powerbooks always have a few dents and dings. Having a good case is very important. I am currently using a Brenthaven bag designed with my 12" Powerbook in mind. It's pretty but it's a bit too big and I end up carrying more than I need. I also use a Higher Ground lap desk from Shawn Jackson designs. It's great for train trips, sitting in airports and other situations where you have enough leg room to unfold it.

Just because you're on the road, it doesn't mean that you can forget about surge protection. Just make sure it's rated for the proper voltage.

Security is a big issue for laptop travelers. My advice is that if you don't have it locked up, keep it with you. If you're taking a nap in the airport or train station, make sure that your bag is latched and connected in some way to your body.

Most laptop thefts are crimes of opportunity. You set your bag down for a minute and when you look back, it's gone with no one in sight. Violent laptop jacking is a growing problem. In one of my favorite cities, San Francisco, there have been a series of daylight laptop robberies in coffee shops. Last week, on Valencia Street in the Mission district, a coffee shop patron noticed someone unplugging his laptop power cord. When he stood up to investigate, a second person stabbed him in the chest and grabbed the laptop. Both thief's ran from the coffee shop and were picked up by a waiting car. San Francisco police are investigating.

Laptop theft is becoming a issue in San Francisco --


Some ways to keep it safe: iAlertU, orbicule Undercover,

There's a great interview in the Seattle Times with Steve Wozniak.

Tonight's podcast ends with a tune from the very talented Tantra, a band from Antwerp in the Netherlands, and featuring the fiddle playing of Janneke Donkersloot.