There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. Well, this year’s laptop computers may be the answer to getting back a few of these valuable hours each week.
A recent study showed that notebook computer users report an average of 10.8 hours each week of additional productivity over users of desktop computers. Those who travel frequently, reported almost 15 more, productive hours, weekly.
Laptops increase productivity because they free the worker from network cables. Time once wasted commuting, waiting at airports or during those “can’t sleep” hours at home, can now be a chance to stay in touch with customers, finish projects, check e-mail or share files.
This year’s lines of laptop computers can deliver most, if not more, of the power and benefits of desktop computer but in a portable package. The computers link effortlessly to wireless networks at the office, home and on the road.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your mobile computing solution.
In The Office
In the office, mobile computing has powered cooperation by enabling employees to stay connected to the office network while literally moving their laptops from office to conference room and back, all while the laptop remains linked through a wireless network to all the needed files.
The new freedom from Ethernet cables gives workers an opportunity to share ideas and test solutions easily without having to re-establish network connections. In some offices, the concept of mobile computing has taken on new meaning as users literally take their laptops into a series of meetings in different locations, without ever missing a keystroke.
Always On The Go
For the business traveler, wireless access is critical to staying connected. Many hotels and airports, coffee shops, bookstores and other places provide “hot spots” that let wireless users access the internet and transfer large files quickly via high-bandwidth connections.
For those who want even more, flexible access, the latest notebooks offer mobile broadband capabilities that let users connect to the Web using cellular networks from major wireless service providers.
Home
At home, notebook users have the freedom to tap into the Internet or their office network conveniently, using an inexpensive wireless network that can link through the home’s broadband connection. That means workers can access the Internet, their network folders and check e-mail while sipping a cup of coffee on the front porch or while making dinner in the kitchen. These wireless networks also help users share a single printer without manually linking to the printer cable.
Advanced notebooks/laptops permit a growing number of electronic components-PCs, cell phones, GPS systems and others-to be synchronized using Bluetooth technology. (See last week’s article http://www.plaintechtalk.com/blog for more information on Bluetooth technology, an inexpensive wireless system designed for use at close range.) This permits easy data transfers between devices.
Wireless networking is an inexpensive and effective way for small businesses and home offices to maximize productivity.
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