Some people work on the road out of necessity and others do it for fun. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall, there are tools you need to stay connected and get your job done. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the seven best tools for working on the road.
Lightweight Laptop
When you’re working on the road, you don’t want to carry more weight than you have to. That’s why you need a lightweight laptop that’s also powerful.
There are tons of great options available, but pay attention to features such as processor speed, memory, and a Wi-Fi card when choosing a new laptop so that you aren’t slowed down by technology flaws. Small laptops typically weigh less, so don’t go with a 15- or 17-inch laptop unless you are doing something intensive such as video editing.
Smartphone and Wireless Charger
A smartphone is another important tool when you’re working on the road so that you can make calls, check emails, and use apps wherever you go. Just make sure that you have a plan to keep your phone charged at all times, such as a wireless charger. You never know when you’ll have enough time to plug in your phone.
Alternatively, buy a smartphone with a removable battery, such as T-Mobile’s Galaxy S7 Edge, so you can simply replace the battery with a spare when you run out of power. You can buy a spare battery from T-Mobile or buy one online.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
It’s extremely important to stay connected when working on the road, and that means being prepared when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi.
T-Mobile offers a Wi-Fi hotspot service that you can enable on your smartphone and use anywhere. The speeds are not as fast as traditional Wi-Fi, but it works well in a pinch and helps you stay connected while on the road.
Small Keyboard
Sometimes it’s too much hassle to pull out your laptop, but you want to type more quickly on a smartphone or tablet. That’s why a small keyboard is a handy tool to have when you are working on the road.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has a big enough screen to work on if you connect a Bluetooth keyboard. Most tablets also allow you to use a keyboard instead of relying on the touch screen interface.
GPS App
Gone are the days of fumbling with a map to get from point A to point B. When you’re working on the road, you can use a GPS app to map out routes and make sure that you get to your destination on time.
All you need is a connected vehicle or a smartphone to access GPS. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about getting lost because your GPS will reroute you if you make a wrong turn. This is a great stress relief.
Flight Tracking Apps
When you’re constantly traveling for work, you need to know your way around airports. There are all sorts of flight tracking apps you can use to keep you up to date on the status of your flight, such as when there are delays and when you can board early.
There are apps for buses and other forms of public transit, too. You can access them through a smartphone, tablet, or even a laptop.
Translation and Currency Conversion Apps
If you find yourself working internationally, there are all sorts of smartphone apps to help you manage your time better. For instance, a translation app can help you order food at a restaurant and a currency conversion app can help you make sure that you’re not being scammed by a street vendor. There are countless apps you can try.
These awesome tools should give you a good foundation for being productive when working on the road. Just remember that every job is different, and you need to find the tools that work best for you. What tools do you use and what do you recommend? Leave a comment below.
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2 Comments
Great list! I’d also add a Roost laptop stand and external mouse. They make all the difference!
Great tips Linda, I love my external mouse, it makes life so much easier than using the touch pad on my laptop. Will look into the laptop stand too. Thanks for the tips! Glad you enjoyed the post :)