On the Road Again?

Software

From utilities to security, the right software helps enable your mobile lifestyle.

Xten X-PRO SoftPhone: Take your Vonage VoIP service with you on the road with this software on a laptop. Price: $9.99 per month (in addition to your regular Vonage plan)

GoToMyPC Personal: You'll always have access to your office computer with this web-based application that lets you use your PC remotely through a web browser. Price: $19.95 per month (basic plan)

LapLink Everywhere 3.0: LapLink is a budget-friendly web-based application that lets you remotely access your office PC's Outlook or Outlook Express and files. Price: $89.95 annual subscription

JP Mobile SureWave Mobile Defense: Secure your Palm or Pocket PC PDA with this software suite that includes password protection, data encryption and reset protection. Price: $29.95

Mobility Electronics iGo Quickoffice Premier: Work with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on your Palm handheld. Also available for some Nokia and Symbian devices. Price: $39.95

Salesforce.com (800-NO-SOFTWARE): This web-based CRM application is easy to access and use when you or your salespeople are on the road. Price: starts at $995 per year for five users

Just for Fun

These items aren't essentials, but they can sure spice up a road trip.

Corex Technologies CardScan Executive: Manage all those business cards you collect with this compact scanner that lets you deal with them on your computer later. Price: $200

Smart ID Technology WFS-1 WiFi Detector: This small, battery-powered device from Singapore will locate Wi-Fi hot spots for you on the go. Price: $28

Apple iPod mini: This tiny 3.6-ounce, 4GB version of the popular iPod MP3 player will keep you company during your downtime. Available for Mac and Windows. Price: $249

Powerhouse Technologies Migo 256MB USB 2.0: Get advanced synchronization and data management with this USB flash device, including access to your Outlook e-mail and Explorer favorites. Price: $200

FrogPad Bluetooth iFrog: This one-handed device is a compact way to take your keyboard with you, wirelessly. Available in left- or right-handed versions. Price: $175

BenQ M310 Optical Wireless Mouse: Portability, super-easy setup and a clever design make this a handy mouse for laptop users. Price: $40

Hardware Accessories

Take the bumps out of your ride with these handy hardware accessories.

SanDisk Cruzer Titanium USB Flash Drive: This crush-resistant USB 2.0 drive comes with 512 MB of storage, password protection and backup utilities. Price: $130

Jabra FreeSpeak BT200 Bluetooth Mobile Phone Headset: Keep your hands free while driving or working with this wireless headset for Bluetooth-enabled phones. Price: $149

Electrovaya PowerPad 120: Extend your notebook battery life for those long trips with this lightweight (under 2 pounds) power pack. Price: $299

Targus Port 3.1 Commuter Case: More like a mobile desk, this case gives your laptop full protection and zips down into a portable workstation. Price: $99.99

Kensington MicroSaver Notebook Cable: For the price tag, you get a security cable to lock down your notebook and guaranteed notebook replacement if the lock is forced. Price: $54.99

Netgear WG511 802.11g Wireless Adapter: Get your older laptop up-to-date with this Wi-Fi notebook adapter. Now you can take advantage of hot spots on the road or at the office. Price: $45

Best of the Best

Check out our best picks for mobile gadgets sure to keep you on track.

Samsung SPH-i500: This smartphone integrates a Palm PDA into a compact clamshell design with lots of features. Price: $399 (varies with service plan)

Toshiba Portege M205 TabletPC: This well-stocked convertible takes the best features of a laptop and combines them with the flexibility of a tablet. Price: $2,299

IBM ThinkPad X40: At a svelte 2.7 pounds, this 12.1-inch-display ultraportable packs a wallop with 256MB RAM, built-in 802.11b and a mobile Pentium processor. Price: starts at $1,499

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security: Security is as important on the road as in the office. This software suite covers spam, spyware, firewall and anti-virus. Price: $49.95

Canon i80: A portable printer is one thing, but throw in an optional Bluetooth interface and a car adapter, and you get the ultimate in mobile printing. Price: $250

Hewlett-Packard iPAQ hx4705: Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are nice extras onboard this Pocket PC. Enhanced security features, lots of memory and a relatively spacious 4-inch VGA screen make this a wise choice for business use. Price: $650

Motorola V600: Don't need all the bells and whistles of a smartphone? You can still enjoy the speakerphone, camera and Bluetooth features of this mobile. Price: $200 to $299 (depending on service provider) -Amanda C. Kooser

Heather Clancy is editor of CRN, a weekly high-tech business newspaper.

This article was originally published in the November 2004 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: On the Road Again?.