Wi-Fire

The Wi-Fire long-range Wi-Fi adapter from hField Technologies combines a range-boosting directional antenna, a sensitive receiver and proprietary software to pull in wireless LAN signals at triple or more the range of standard Wi-Fi adapters.

The Wi-Fire adapter is a minuscule 4-ounce device that you can slip into your laptop bag and forget about until you need it. It works on 802.11b/g signals and connects via a USB port to a Windows PC (the software works with XP or Vista) or a Mac (OS X, including Leopard). You can order the Wi-Fire for US$79 directly from hField's Web site.

zBoost Personal

If your problem is getting a cell phone signal, then you need the zBoost Personal cell phone signal booster. This is a portable version of a similar product that solves cell-phone reception problems in homes and offices by installing an antenna outside the house and a signal-amplifying repeater indoors.

The Personal version covers a smaller area than its big brother, but it carries a lower price tag (US$169) and comes in a package small enough to fit into your travel kit (4 by 5 by 1.3 in.). The dual-band (800/1,900-MHz) device comes with an external antenna that can attach to the nearest window with suction cups. Plug it into an AC outlet, and it creates a four- to six-foot bubble of good reception where you want it.

Protect it

One of the most important things about taking your digital devices on the road is making sure you get home with them. There are lots of ways to increase the likelihood of recovering your iPod or smart phone or laptop if it walks away: some very low-tech, others higher.

Cellophane tape, for example: Tape a slip of paper with your name and identifying information (e-mail address, cell phone number) in an inconspicuous place on the device -- inside the battery cover or the backside of the battery itself. Then mark it conspicuously as well -- for example, if you can bring yourself to do it, stick your next few "Hi! My name is ..." badges to the lid of your laptop. If it says it's yours, it's a lot less likely to wind up in somebody else's hands by mistake.

If it does get away from you, all may not yet be lost.

Computrace LoJack for Laptops

Computrace LoJack for Laptops maker Absolute Software claims that it recovers three out of four stolen computers that are loaded with its software. Once you install the application, the laptop silently contacts the company's monitoring center whenever it's online.

If you report the laptop stolen, the company's recovery team begins tracking the computer, using information the laptop provides to identify its location. It then gives law enforcement the tracking information and documentation needed for search warrants. At US$49.99 for a year of coverage, or three years for US$99.99, it's inexpensive for peace of mind.

LoJack for Laptops is available for Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X 10.3 and up, and you can order it online. (Both Safari and Firefox for Mac work with the Web site. On a PC, you need Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.)