Last September I went to Bangkok to attend one seminar / workshop on Kaizen. On the first and third day I was supposed to share my experience. So carried all information in my old heavyweight IBM machine. I had taken all possible care to carry it but someone did not bother to place a heavy handbag on the top of it in the handbag compartment. I was not much careful and could notice it at time of changing the flight at Singapore. In Changi Airport switched on the machine and was shocked to see the blank screen. I was not having any backup CD at that time.
After reaching Bangkok in the afternoon I checked in Novotal and contacted their helpdesk. One man came to my room with a desktop monitor and connected it to my laptop and I could work with the monitor. Fortunately problem was with the display not with any other parts. So could share my experience and views with help of LCD projector during the workshop. According to the IT man of that hotel this is common problem they face in their hotel. In laptop displays go wrong due to mishandling.
Learned a huge lesson and now I am careful. What I do now?
*Preparation before travel with the little one*
I prepare a back up CD of all useful information. I even carry useful software and music CD.
Turn off and disconnect, all external devices. Remove all CD-ROMs / DVD-ROMs, disk drive etc if I like to carry a light carrying case. I pack these removal drives in small container and put it in suitcase. Electrical cable etc can go with the luggage.
Pack the machine in carrying case with extra cushion(nowadays I am extra careful after two bitter bites).
*Traveling with the Laptop*
// Take along a backup of work in CD. I prefer to take it in a separate bag. Always carry the machine with me in a good carrying case. Never check it with luggage even while traveling by the best airline of the world. Removable drives may go with luggage.
>> The security device that examines carry-on items placed on a conveyer belt uses X-rays. X-ray is safe for the machine and diskettes. Nevertheless, be careful to place it properly on the belt.
// Never expose the machine or diskettes to magnetic security detector.
>> Handheld individual checking device and the walk-through security door use magnetic devices. These magnetic devices may damage the machine or diskettes. So let the machine pass through the X-ray but be careful of those Police / CISF jawans of our airports – they may not handle it carefully.
// Place the machine in a secured place and ensure that co-passengers do not mishandle it. Especially in a train chances of mishandling is more.
>> While traveling in a car normally, we tend to keep it in the rear but be careful on an Indian bumpy road. It will be bouncing in the dickey and as a result, we will be bouncing at the workplace.
// Check the condition of the battery. Do not forget to carry the charger. I do not have additional battery but in some cases, it may be useful.
*Going Abroad?*
One should know about power cord and adapter requirements for each location where you are traveling. Voltage, frequency, and plug configurations vary from country to country. There are three different types of power cords with my new machine and I am going to carry these.
>> So, be careful to carry the right power cord.
>> Nowadays computer-related customs regulations are more or less same everywhere but it is better to check.
*Caring for Drives*
Drives are delicate components that must be handled with care. Do not drop it. To prevent loss of work and damage to the Laptop or a drive we have to take few precautionary steps. The following preventive measures are applicable to all drives.
// Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components.
>> Electrostatic charge accumulates in our body when we walk on synthetic floors, carpets, handling plastic equipments or any such activity. Best way to get rid of it is walk bare foot on uncovered floor and take bath. This we cannot follow everywhere so alternate is to touch a grounded metal object however discharge is not fast.
>> Electrostatic charge from our body may pass on to the drive when we dock or undock it to the machine. Avoid touching the connectors of the drive.
// Lets be gentle with the machine. Use only adequate pressure(take care of locks) when docking a drive in the slot. Excessive pressure may damage drive connectors.
// As said earlier avoid exposing a hard drive / removable drives with magnetic fields. Products with magnetic fields include video and audiotape, monitors, speakers, walk-through security devices at the airport and security wands.
// Do not spray cleaning fluid on the drive. Fluids may penetrate and spoil the parts. A wet cloth is good enough for regular cleaning.
// Avoid exposing a drive to temperature extremes. Vent of the machine should work properly without any hindrances.
// Avoid using the machine in a very humid or dusty atmosphere.
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Tried to cover important points but please feel free to write comments if I have missed anything. This article is based on my personal experience and whatever I have learned by reading literatures supplied with the machines.
I recommend to read the booklet / CD provided by the manufacturer.
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Have a nice time.