Travel Smart: The Best Tech Gear for the Road

PC World - Editor's note: Former computer security consultant Anil Polat has set a goal of traveling the world indefinitely, while blogging about his tech-fueled experiences at foxnomad.com. Given his on-the-go lifestyle, Polat has strong feelings about what to look for in digital tagalongs. Here's what he recommends.

Laptop bag or backpack: You'll need something to carry all your gadgetalia. Checkpoint-friendly bags let you zoom through airport security without having to remove your laptop--just open the bag, place it on the conveyor belt, and let the TSA's X-ray machines do the rest. I'm a fan of light, easy-to-carry backpacks, like the one shown here from Targus.

Laptop: Weight and size are typically a traveler's most pressing concerns. A solid netbook addresses both issues, giving you all the computer you need without hurting your back. Compact components also mean that the machine has less room for parts to wiggle around, which means there's less to break while you're trekking around India. Based on durability, price, and weight/size, I'm partial to Asus Eee netbooks and Dell netbooks in the Mini 10 line.

Ethernet cable: Many hotels have ethernet jacks that allow you to bypass all of the potential flakiness of so many wireless connections. Many airports (hint, hint: JFK) don't advertise that they too have their fair share of jacks hiding around certain terminals, opening up the possibility of free Internet via wire. A handy little retractable ethernet cable could be just what you need.

Portable battery: Need to use a backup battery during the day? Have to recharge your phone when it's out of juice? The i.Sound Portable Power Max can charge up to five USB devices at one time, even when you have no access to a plug.

USB drive: Keep all of your important digital documents and files in a separate USB drive (16GB should cover you) in case your laptop's hard drive dies on the road. You should encrypt passport scans, client documents, and the like to protect yourself even further. On USB drives you can also carry around portable operating systems, which give you a safe virtual environment in many Internet cafés.

E-reader: You certainly don't want to schlep around a bagful of books, which is why e-readers are such perfect traveling companions. These days I like the Nook Color.

Bluetooth headset: You'll want to consider both sound quality and comfort when you're selecting a headset. You probably already have one, but if not (or if you're considering an upgrade), take a look at PCWorld's comparison of eight top Bluetooth headset models.

Stereo audio cable: Many rental cars these days have 'Aux' outlets that let you plug your iPod or other portable music player directly into the radio. Buy a cable at any Radio Shack or online, and save yourself from fumbling for new radio stations as you're driving. You'll be able to listen to what you know you'll enjoy--without increasing your chances of an accident.