I’ve written posts covering some aspects of how I try to maintain security with my personal network, why it is important to have a clear backup strategy, and, I guess, to imply that a certain bit of planning for the worst has some practical value. In this regard, there are some other small things you can do (especially if you deal with a lot of mobile devices).
All of my mobile computing gear has long battery performance (I get over 8 hours out of the iPad, and in high power mode, I still get over 6 hours per charge on my NetBook…), but as I become more and more mobile in how I use this personal network, the more I need to ensure that I am able to access any source of recharging AC power.
I carry my extra AC adapter for my NetBook in my computer bag, and I have the charging cable with USB to wall outlet adapter for my iPhone with me too (in a pinch this can work for my iPad…). These are (for me) the most important accessories that I carry.
I learned the hard way a couple years ago, when my laptop (at the time my sole computer) power adapter died…This wouldn’t normally be too much of an inconvenience, but at the time I was living in a very rural area of South Korea, and my options in getting this taken care of were quite limited. I ended up in buying one online and having my brother ship it to me (the shipping was at least as much as the AC adapter!). This also rendered me without a working computer for well over a week (something which is a worthwhile experience, but it is painful).
The result is that I usually pick up an extra AC adapter for all of the computer appliances I get. Minimally this allows me to have one set configured at home to be a simple plug and play, and the other is stashed in my bag for use on the road. There is actually some noticeable convenience in having this sort of backup system. As far as it goes, I think that an extra AC adapter is about as important a first purchase for any mobile computer as a decent case is…
