Ok, so I’ve been having a really bad case of “bloggers block” the last two weeks and I just can’t stand it any longer. I’ve got to write something!
So, I was just thinking of how some people may not have put together a mobile kit because they already have a home system, or are worried about cost. Understandable concerns, but I think that if you have any interest in going mobile while staying connected, here are some ideas on how to do it fairly inexpensively.
Here are some ideas:
- Get a low-end laptop. They’re getting pretty cheap (as low as $450!), and are nothing to sneer at – it’ll get the job done quite well
- Find a good bag for the laptop with space for other items like the power supply, pens, notebook, cables for your digi camera, etc… A good bag will run between $30 and $70. You can spend more, but why?
- Watch for free WiFi at your local coffee shop, library, book store, restaurant, etc… You don’t need to sign up for an expensive 3G or “hotspot” service. There are many places to find free connectivity.
- Find the time in your day/week to work remotely. If you can find a few hours to work outside the office, then definitely give it a try. Start small – take an hour and process your email at the coffee shop down the street and work your way up to other things.
- Budget about 2hrs tops for working someplace remotely. This will fit into most work weeks, is not taking advantage of a coffee shop’s hospitality (free WiFi/Power), and allows you to get a good solid hour plus of real uninterrupted work done.
Seriously give it a thought, the ability to work outside the normal office/cube farm will reward you with more insight into improving your productivity. If your employer is friendly to this concept, see if there is a “loaner” laptop to check out just to see if you like working outside the office for a bit. That can be a great way to test the waters without committing to it blindly.
Do you want biscotti with that?
The system we have here in the U.S. for our wireless communications is a disappointing mess. It fails to provide value, consumer choice, and it gets even more depressing as the push for “open networks” gets squashed in the upcoming FCC spectrum auction next year.