The ultimate portable office - five mobile computing solutions - Product Information

Home Office Computing, May, 1997 by Rick Broida

Different notes for different folks. That's the premise behind our guide to the ultimate portable office. Where note-books are concerned, one size definitely does not fit all. You might need a machine that's specifically equipped for delivering multimedia presentations. Or one that can survive a plane, a train, or an automobile trip on a single battery charge.

Perhaps you're of the Mac mindset, looking for a notebook that's just as qualified for your desk as it is for your lap.

Consider these pages your computer matchmaking service. To help you find the portable office that's tight for you, we've picked top models in each of five categories: the Sidekick, a low-cost complement tO your desktop system; the Road Warrior, which will let you take your office with you (see our accompanying Hardware Buyer's Guide, "Go Mobile"); the Showstopper, an expert at multimedia presentations; the Desktop Replacement, a machine that pulls both office and briefcase duty; and Macs to Go, which features double-duty Macintoshes. In each category, we've outfitted the notebooks with all the accessories you'll need.

Regardless of the hardware you choose, be sure to stuff it with software essentials. A good all-purpose communications package is Quarterdeck's ProComm Plus 95 (800-354-3222; Win 95; $139). For contact management, check out Starfish Software's Sidekick 97 (408-461-5800; Win 95; $49.95) or--if you want a heavy-duty sales tool--GoldMine Software's GoldMine 3.2 (310-4546800; Win; $295). For financial management, nothing beats Intuit's Quicken 6 (800-446-8848; Win, Mac; $59.95). To keep your notebook humming and your data safe and sound, don't leave home without Norton Utilities 2.0 (Symantec, 800-441-7234; Win, Mac; $79). Finally, what would a portable office be without office software? You can't go wrong with Microsoft Office 97 (800-4269400; Win 95; $499).

Keep in mind that prices and specifications on these systems are subject-- and likely--to change, but the worst that will happen is you'll get even more portability for your hard-earned money.

THE LONE RANGER HAS TONTO. Lucy has Ethel. Batman has Robin. Your desktop PC needs a sidekick too---a lightweight, inexpensive, reliable little tagalong that can handle such simple chores as e-mail, contact management, word processing, and expense tracking. Of course, it should also have tools that will let you communicate-not only with the outside world but also with your desktop PC.

* A particularly amicable amigo is the Satellite 200CDS, which packs a 100MHz Pentium CPU, 11.3-inch dual-scan screen, and 772MB hard disk into a 7.4-pound box. Because it's wired for infrared communications, you can quickly and easily exchange data with your desktop or beam documents straight to your printer. The Satellite 200CDS even has a CD-ROM drive, which means you'll be able to spin your favorite platters wherever you go. Toshiba, 714-583-3000; $1,599

* If your desktop PC isn't equipped with an infrared port (and few are), better grab LapLink 7.5 for Windows 95. This cablesand-software solution makes it easy for your computers to share important files, whether you're in the office or on the road. Traveling Software, 800-343-8080; $149

* Slip a modem into this notebook's PC Card slot, and you're all set to check your e-mail, send faxes, and surf the Web. The Motorola Montana lets you keep in touch via landline or cellular phone and can even send and receive pager messages. Motorola, 800-427-2624; $200

Alternatives

LifeBook 520D, Fujitsu PC Corp., 888-466-8434; $1,799 Ascentia J20, AST, 800-876-4278; $1,599

ENDLESS FLIGHTS, ROLLERcoaster taxi rides, outdated hotel telephone systems--your notebook needs to endure all that and more. To do proper battle, make sure a second battery, sturdy carrying case, and wireless modem are among your traveling companions. Of course, to truly be a road warrior, you should also pack a portable printer and communications software.

* you can hit the road the moment your Solo 2100 S5-120 arrives on your doorstep. It has the processing power to handle all your office applications, the battery life to keep you working from tarmac to tarmac, and a cellular-ready modem to put you in touch with the outside world. It also comes with its own carrying case, leaving your briefcase available for, well, briefs. Gateway; 800-8462000; $2,499

* Even a long-lasting lithium-ion battery gets tuckered out. Keep a spare handy and you'll never have to wander around in search of an AC outlet. Around $200

* The horrible sound of your notebook crashing to the ground is less likely to be heard if you have a Legtop Podeum, a combination carrying-case and work platform that straps to your leg. Hey, if you have a high-tech notebook, you need a high-tech carrying case to go with it. Rach Inc., 800-942-4902; $79.99

* Landlines? Who needs 'em? The Motorola Personal Messenger 100C is a PC Card modem that supports wireless communications, so you can check your e-mail or send a fax while you're stuck in midtown traffic. Motorola, 800-894-7353; $500 to $700, depending on bundled options and carrier airtime options you select