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technology

See how next year's portable devices are saving time and pocket space.

For mobile professionals, productivity on the road depends on being properly equipped-but the dizzying array of travel gadgets on the market is growing faster than an airport security line. To simplify the job of upgrading your gear, we’ve assembled our mobile technology picks. These travel tools will keep you organized, connected and entertained wherever you roam. All you’ll have to do is make room on your holiday wish list.

Laptops

Your laptop is the mission control center of your mobile office. Fortunately, the days of lugging around a seven-pound notebook are over. Thanks to smaller processors and hard drives, you no longer have to compromise full-bodied performance for portability.

Look for notebooks in the “ultraportable” and “thin-and-light” classes. These travel-friendly units-which run less than six pounds and 1.5 inches thick, and feature ample 12- to 14-inch displays-are small enough for you to work comfortably in economy-class seating and on hotel desks, but perfectly capable of handling common applications like Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as email and Web browsing. Increasingly, they also include DVD burners, which let you not only watch movies, but also back up large amounts of data. Also important is 3G access, which uses existing cellular networks to give you wireless broadband connectivity from just about anywhere.

MacBook Pro, Apple

$1,999, apple.com
Bottom Line: The MacBook Pro brings Intel power to Mac users.

Apple laptops enjoyed a significant power boost this year with the addition of Intel processors, finally giving them a shot at matching the performance of their Windows-based competitors. The 15.4-inch MacBook Pro sets the standard: The 5.6-pound, one-inch-thick unit features a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo processor, which speeds through the abundance of preloaded software: Everything from the business-savvy iWork to the popular multimedia package iLife. Especially noteworthy is the inclusion of FrontRow software and an infrared remote; with this combo, you can give presentations of your digital work, then use it to watch the latest episode of The Office (purchased from the iTunes store, of course) when you get back to your hotel. A built-in iSight camera, set inconspicuously in the bezel above the display, lets you videoconference via iChat A/V, and Apple’s AirPort Extreme provides 801.11g Wi-Fi connectivity. The MacBook Pro also includes a slot-loading SuperDrive for burning CDs and DVDs, making data backup quick and convenient.

XPS M1210, Dell

$1,300, dell.com
Bottom Line: The XPS M1210 offers the ultimate blend of power and portability.

Ultraportable notebooks are a boon to frequent fliers, lightening their luggage and conforming well to the tight quarters of commuter planes. One of the best is Dell’s XPS M1210, which packs plenty of punch in just five pounds. Its 2.16-GHz Intel Core Duo T2600 processor is more than enough for office applications and ideal for 3-D applications and games. The 12.1-inch widescreen display is perfect for in-flight DVD viewing, but compact enough that a fully reclined seat in front of you won’t intrude on your space. The M1210 supports 802.11a/g Wi-Fi connections, but you don’t have to be tethered to a wireless hotspot when you’re on the road; it also features a built-in WAN cellular modem, allowing you to access Verizon’s EV-DO network. This feature gets you connected anywhere you can find cell phone reception, and it saves you the money you’d otherwise spend on hotel broadband fees.

VAIO SZ170P, Sony

$2,799, sonystyle.com
Bottom Line: The VAIO SZ170P has all the business features you need in a slim, durable package.

The SZ170P strikes an optimal balance between mobility and power. It’s just 3.8 pounds and a little more than an inch thick, but that small frame packs a lot of muscle. Its 1.83-GHz Intel Core Duo T2400 processor smoothly handles business and Web applications, and its unique hybrid graphics system lets you toggle between two graphic chipsets: one for better performance, the other for longer battery life. Its integrated DVD burner is rare for a notebook this size, and if you use it to watch movies, they’ll look fantastic on the 13.3-inch display, richly enhanced by Sony’s Xbrite color-optimizing technology. Security is tight on the SZ170P: A fingerprint reader sits between the mouse keys and is linked to a built-in TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip that authenticates and stores your passwords. There’s also a shock protection feature that locks the hard drive if you drop your computer. A built-in Webcam and microphone facilitate videoconferencing on the go, and access to Cingular’s EDGE 3G high-speed cellular data network keeps you constantly connected.

VX Revolution, Logitech

$79.99, logitech.com
Bottom Line: Though pricey, the VX Revolution combines rich features with travel-friendly form in the ultimate notebook mouse.

Your notebook’s touchpad is fine when you’re elbow to elbow with other airline passengers, but once you touch down, you’ll be grateful for a full-size mobile mouse. Logitech’s VX Revolution is a wireless mouse that’s large enough to be ergonomically comfortable, but small enough to slip into a pocket on your laptop bag. This mouse’s most notable feature is its scroll wheel, which has two modes that can be toggled through a switch on the bottom. The first allows for controlled scrolling like any other mouse; in the second, the wheel will free-spin for up to seven seconds, allowing you to navigate quickly through multiple Web pages, lengthy documents and large spreadsheets with one flick of your finger. It also boasts a one-touch search function: You highlight a word or phrase and click a button to instantly view Internet search results. Additionally, a “zoom” button lets you move in and out of documents and pictures. The VX Revolution operates via USB-just plug the accompanying receiver into an available port, and you’re ready to work.

Phones

After your notebook, your phone is your most important tool for staying connected on the road. Phone functions are just one of a growing list of handset features, and even the least expensive phones boast a camera and a calendar. Most people want to
balance business helpers-such as email, speakerphone and PC synching-with more fun features, like a VGA camera and MP3 and video players. Whether you want a fairly standard mobile phone or a more feature-rich smartphone, our selections are
powerful, stylish and guaranteed to help you transition seamlessly from the work week to the weekend.

SHC-a990, Samsung

$349, samsung.com
Bottom Line: With its high-resolution camera, the SHC-a990 strikes the optimal balance between multimedia and phone functions.

Camera phones typically wind up being too much of one, and not enough of the other. With Samsung’s SHC-a990, you can finally have a handset with camera features to match its phone capabilities. Its 262k color screen swivels and folds over the keypad, transforming it into full-fledged camera, and the 3.2-megapixel camera takes high-quality images that rival those taken by lower-end digital cameras. Though it features Bluetooth and email, the phone also offers more direct methods of viewing your photos: a TV Out option lets you view photos, videos and slideshows by plugging the phone directly into a television, and PictBridge technology allows you to connect to a compatible printer without a computer. You can also download music files, as well as stream video and audio files from the Verizon Wireless VCAST service. But don’t think the a990 shies away from work. It holds 500 contacts with up to five numbers, two email addresses and notes for each; features a speaker phone; and supports virtual business cards (VCards) and text and multimedia messaging.

BlackBerry Pearl, Research In Motion

$199, rim.net
Bottom Line: The addition of multimedia features to the BlackBerry’s lauded businessfunctions make the BlackBerry Pearl an excellent all-around handset.

The BlackBerry, Research In Motion’s popular handset, shed its all-business image recently with the introduction of the BlackBerry Pearl. At 4.2 by 1.97 by 0.57 inches, it’s more pocketable than its predecessors, yet delivers the performance BlackBerry users rely on. All of the handset’s strengths-text messaging, email, robust phone reception-are still here, but they’re balanced by a host of multimedia features: a 1.3-megapixel camera with flash and zoom; MP3 and video players; an HTML browser; built-in AOL, Yahoo, MSN and OCQ instant messaging clients; and a SureType keyboard with predictive text for fast messaging. The Pearl also boasts 64MB of built-in flash memory that’s expandable with a MicroSD card, providing plenty of storage space for data files, music, pictures and videos.

Moto Q, Motorola

$199.99, motorola.com
Bottom Line: Productivity meets pocketability in the Moto Q.

With a design based on Motorola’s best-selling RAZR handset, the Moto Q was trumpeted as “the world’s thinnest QWERTY device,” and it lives up to the hype. This half-inch-thick smartphone is slimmer than a BlackBerry or Palm Treo, and more versatile as well. Text and images pop on the 2.5-inch screen, and the QWERTY keypad makes typing easy and comfortable. Running Windows Mobile 5.0, the Q supports email, calendar and contacts synchronization; common office applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint; Web browsing and instant messaging; and most audio and video formats. Access to the Verizon Wireless EV-DO network provides quick downloads. The Q also sports a 1.3-megapixel camera and stereo speakers. Throw this smartphone in your bag, and you can leave your laptop at home.

Chat 50, ClearOne

$149, clearone.com
Bottom Line: The Chat50 brings excellent audio to cell phone conference calls.

Most mobile phones have integrated speakerphones, but they can only transmit data one way-meaning every time you speak, the incoming audio cuts out, and vice versa. The Chat 50 is a portable speakerphone with full-duplex capabilities, so you and the other party can talk over each other all you want without anyone missing a word. And unlike a lot of USB-connected speakerphones that have tinny audio, the Chat 50’s sound quality is so strong, you’d swear the other person was in the room with you. The Chat 50 can be used with cell phones, VoIP softphones, Skype phones and landlines. In a pinch, it will even work as a speaker for your MP3 player.

Discovery 655, Plantronics

$149.95, plantronics.com
Bottom Line: The Discovery 655 provides clear audio, comfort and a host of flexible features.

Bluetooth headsets are a huge convenience when you’re tethered to your cell phone, and hands-free laws make them a necessity in some states if you like to drive and talk. The Discovery 655 is a little pricier than most, but you’re getting a superior headset. It fits directly in your ear and comes with three sizes of earbuds for comfort (if you’re extra concerned about stability, you can fasten it with the optional ear hook). It boasts superb audio quality and digital signal processing to reduce background noise. There’s no excuse to let the battery drain either, when you’ve got three different charging methods, including an AAA battery pocket that powers your headset on the go and provides up to 10 hours of talk time.

Peripherals

Today’s business travelers have a host of support devices at their beck and call, but the key is to separate the essential from the merely exotic. Worthwhile gadgets will expand the functionality of your mobile office and increase your efficiency. These additions to your gear bag will help you make the most of your road trip, whether you need to access important data, lock it up from prying eyes or deliver it in dynamic presentations.

Wireless G Travel, Belkin

$69.99, belkin.com
Bottom Line: With its small size and ability to function as a router, access point or adapter, the Wireless G is a necessary addition to your gear bag.

There’s no point in hunting for a hotspot when you can bring your own. This pocket-sized router provides you with a Wi-Fi access point in any hotel room or boardroom that has a broadband Internet connection. Within moments of unpacking, you can create a wireless network with your colleagues. It features all the necessary security measures, including WEP and WAP encryption and a firewall to keep your computer safe. With the flip of a switch, the router functions as an adapter to extend the range of an existing network.

Store ’n’ Go Corporate, Verbatim

$79-249, verbatim.com
Bottom Line: The Store ’n’ Go Corporate Secure USB Drive delivers when security is as imperative as portability.

USB flash drives are great for transferring and transporting data, but because of their portability and size, they can easily be misplaced-a nightmarish scenario when they hold sensitive information. Many USB drives offer user-controlled security measures that can be disabled or forgotten, but the Store ’n’ Go features mandatory safeguards: It protects data with a complex, hack-resistant password and erases all data after 10 consecutive failed logins. Store ’n’ Go drives range from $79 for the 1GB drive to $249 for a 4GB-pricey, but nothing compared to the cost of your corporate info falling into a competitor’s hands.

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michael ansaldo is a freelance writer based in San Francisco. Email Michael at editor@executivetravelmag.com.