Computer Accessories - Discount Computer Hardware and Computer Parts for the Traveler

If you've ever looked at all of the different adapters you'll understand just how crucial, and confusing, traveling with the correct adapters can be. At the bottom of this page, we've Digital Phone Line Tester

included links to a couple of suppliers where you can research and buy just about anything you'll need.

On almost every trip you take, you'll need the following: a long telephone cord, a modular telephone adapter, and a plug that provides two - and three-prong adapters. Add to these three items a 3-to-1 power plug (for plugging in a printer and/or external modem along with your computer), and you'll be covered in most circumstances.

Electrical Converters
Here's where it gets tricky. First, you need to consider international differences in voltage; then you need to deal with the different sizes and shapes of the plugs. Almost every country has one or more adapters that may be unique to it, or that it shares with a few close neighbors. For voltage specifications for your destination country, visit Current Solutions. If you're traveling far and wide, you'll need a veritable motherload of adapters, plugs, phone jacks, attachments, and the like. Safe travel begins at Magellan's has a very clean, informative, and graphical roundup of adapters and the countries for which you'll need them on their Web site.

You'll need an adapter for the ubiquitous 220-volt current. It turns out that the USA and Canada, which use 110-volt current, are the odd countries out in this realm; most of the rest of the world runs 220 volts. The Magellan's site can help out here as well.

Non-Standard Phone Jacks
The familiar, US Standard phone jack is RJ11. It's becoming ever more of an international standard, and if it's available, you're set if you simply have a phone cord and jack in your computer. If not, good luck finding an adapter at the local hardware store. There are about 25-30 countries that still haven't converted to the RJ11, and then there are the hotels that have phones that are wired directly into the wall with no jack connection. In these cases, you'll want an acoustic coupler to allow handset to handset connections, and a patch cord kit.

Dial Tones
Dial tones can vary from country to country, and your modem may not recognize the tone at your new destination. You can get around this by adding a command to your modem setup string telling it to ignore the dial tone.

Surge Protection
You have a surge protection electrical strip on your desktop computer; you should have the same for your portable. In countries where electrical delivery is less reliable, this is all the more important. You'll need one for whichever voltage you'll be using; surge protectors for 110 and 220 volt currents are not interchangeable.

Modem Protectors
Modems are designed to connect to analog telephone lines, like the ones in your home. Some telephones installed in businesses and hotels are digital. Because the jacks are identical, you may not be able to tell the difference. Many digital lines carry too much current for modems; so if you plug in your modem to one, you may ruin the circuits. With a modem protector, you can avoid this risk.

If you frequently need to work from a location with digital phone lines, you can buy a digital phone adapter for about $120.

Carrying Case
No matter how careful you are carrying your computer around, it's going to take a few hits while you scurry around airports, hop in and out of airport shuttle buses, pile stuff into overhead bins, or fall asleep slumped over your work on the plane. A sturdy, padded carrying case can save you a lot of aggravation and even more money.

Extra Battery
You'll be doing most of your work in the hotel, right? Think you won't need the extra battery? Guess again. A second battery is an obligatory traveling companion; get one now.

In the Air
Most major airlines now provide access to GTE Airfones, to which you can connect while in the air. This is great in an emergency, or if you need to quickly check your e-mail; but don't plan on using it as a primary means to get your work done. In addition to slow connections, calls on domestic flights cost about $15 -- for only a few minutes online.

Cellular Connections
A cellular data connection can save you much hassle, if you're willing to pay the price. Hooking up to a cellular connection may also require additional hardware. Never assume that your modem will be compatible with your cellular phone; many are not. The best bet is to buy a cellular-ready modem; and get a cellular phone with a built-in data connection.

Where to Get Everything You'll Need
Magellan's, mentioned above, is a respected, reputable source for just about any travel accessory you'll ever need. Toll free at (800) 962-4943, fax them at (800) 962-4940, or email at sales@magellans.com.