Ethiopian Review

10 Tools to Keep in Your Briefcase or Carry-On Bag
If you travel frequently for business sooner or later you are going to amass an arsenal of tools that you consider essential travel companions. Many of these tools likely belong in the personal hygiene category, but in this article we will be going beyond the toothbrush and shaving kit
and examining ten tech gadgets that can make business travel easier.

1. USB Memory Card Reader

A USB memory card reader is an economical tech tool to purchase, especially considering the hassles it can save in the long run. If you store any of your material on SD, SDHC, or other specialty cards that utilize a specific card reader, then be sure to carry a USB version of the card reader with you. This will ensure that your media presentations or materials will be able to be presented on any computer, even one without built in card readers.

2. USB Flash Drive

It is also a good idea to carry a USB flash drive with you on all business trips and to constantly be backing up your PC files onto the disk while you travel. Should your laptop or netbook be lost, you will still have all of your information available on your USB flash drive key ring or resting securely in your pocket or pocketbook.

3. An Electronic Translator

Electronic translators that store multiple languages and provide audio of proper pronunciation are now widely available for less than $100. If you travel frequently to foreign countries or conduct business with clients whose first language is not English, consider a translator a necessity. Not only will this allow you to navigate in another country easily, but being able to converse (even on a very basic level) in your client’s native tongue demonstrates tenacity.

4. A Wireless USB Modem

While almost all hotels now carry free wireless Internet, there are still a few that do not. In these instances, a wireless USB modem can be invaluable for allowing you to connect with your business and personal social networks and e-mail accounts while on the go. Instead of wasting time looking for a wi-fi hot spot (and occasionally paying a fee), you can rest comfortably and maintain efficiency by investing in a USB modem.

5. A Netbook

With all of the tech toys mentioned so far as necessities for business travel, the business traveler needs a piece of equipment for these USB tools to interface with. Netbooks are currently all the rage and with very good reason. They are inexpensive, more portable than their full sized
counterparts, and provide a functionality well-suited to the business traveler. If you are still straddling the fence, get off it and get a netbook!

6. A Quality Cell Phone

It practically goes without saying that a business traveler would carry a cell phone, but the type of cell phone could be up for debate. There are plenty of businessmen and women who still carry somewhat basic cell phones due to their frequent use of other tech tools (including the aforementioned netbook). However, a quality cell phone is a necessity. A QWERTY keyboard should be part of the phone’s features. When the need presents itself, sending a message on your cell phone can be a lot less complicated then pulling out the laptop and actually typing an e-mail.

7. A Good Alarm Clock

Every hotel has a different bed-side clock set up, and if you have been traveling heavily and jet lag is a possibility, you don’t want to depend on your digital clock programming skills for a wake-up call. Luckily, if you own the exquisite cell phone recommended in the previous paragraph, you should own an easily programmable alarm clock already. Always depend on your cell phone alarm to wake you up, and leave the digital clock for back up.

8. Currency Converter

If you travel overseas frequently or traverse north or south of the border on a regular basis, you should invest in an electronic currency converter to assist you while handling local money. An alternate possibility is downloading an application for your cell phone that will provide conversions.

9. Travel Plug Adapter

A non-tech tool that you should definitely invest in if you want your tech gadgets to maintain power overseas is a travel plug adapter. These plugs can be picked up separately or as part of a kit and will keep your electronics going no matter where you are at.

10. A Digital Camera

In all of your business travels, don’t forget to take time to actually get a glimpse of the cities and countries you are visiting. Even if you can only use a digital camera to take a few snap shots from the cab on the way to and from the airport, it can help you maintain a visual reminder of the places you have been, and all of the things you have accomplished.

(by Ashley Mott | AC)