Choose the Right Travel Technology

Remove the screen frame from the window or door, and lay it on a flat surface. Using a slot screwdriver, pry one end of the old spline out of one corner. Grip the end of the spline and, being careful not to bend the frame, pull it out.

Use the screwdriver to pry out a little screening from the spline groove, grip it and pull the entire panel of screening out. Save the damaged screening as a template for the replacement piece.

All laptops, notebooks, and netbooks sold today come with WiF- capabilities, but there are two major considerations:

• A computer only enables you to get online in a hotspot
• A computer with a plug-in USB wireless modem enables you to get online almost anywhere

So if you want to surf the web outside a WiFi hotspot, you'll need to purchase a wireless broadband modem that plugs into a USB port on your computer. They are relatively inexpensive and available from your cell phone provider and many retailers. These small modems enable you to access the web anywhere you have cell phone service.

Caution: if you plan to pay bills or make any transactions online during your trip, you'll want to use a USB wireless modem because it’s a secure network, unlike hotspots.

If your strategy is to use your cell phone to keep up with e-mails, you may want to forego the expense of the modem and its monthly fee.

Although GPS-enabled smart phones are becoming more powerful, portable navigation devices (PNDs) are still popular. There are a range of PND devices available. Their e-maps feature the ability to program a trip and receive verbal and visual directions, spoken street names, real time traffic updates, Internet connectivity for points-of-interest searches, weather forecasts, white page searches, and fuel prices. Many have Bluetooth technology, which allows you to re-route cell phone calls through the device’s built-in speaker and microphone. Others include programs that can play your MP3 files. If your vehicle has a built-in GPS or your smart phone has it, there probably is no need for an external PND. If they don’t, however, you may want to purchase a PND. In addition to detailed directions and maps, most models have features that will help you find assistance if you have car trouble and need a mechanic. They also can help you find restaurants and lodging.

Movies – if you have a laptop or notebook with a DVD drive, you can use discs to watch movies. If you have a netbook without a DVD drive, you can buy a portable DVD player to watch movies.

Custom radio – using a USB wireless modem card enables you to access Google or Bing to find radio stations that fit your mood and taste as you cruise down the road.

Music – another music option is an MP3 player, which uses a compressed audio format for smaller file sizes. The format is popular for turning your computer into a jukebox with thousands of songs or they can be loaded into a portable MP3 player.

In addition, an iPod can accommodate thousands of tunes for your trip. Plus, there are a number of companies that make a variety of vehicle appropriate accessories, including iPod holders, cassette adapters and transmitters that will play MP3 files over FM radio, enabling you to play music on the car stereo system from an iPhone or iPod.

Games – for kids and adult passengers who enjoy video games, you can load game DVDs onto your computer.

Today there are myriad digital cameras available at affordable prices. Having one enables you to capture images of your trip to enjoy long after the adventure has ended. Also, the variety of card readers and USB connectivity options available make it a snap to upload pictures from your camera to your computer. This makes it easy to e-mail them as attachments to family and friends back home so they can share your trip in near real time.

Consider buying a power converter. These inexpensive devices enable you to power anything that uses a standard plug, including your cell phone or laptop. These are handy if you don’t have car chargers for all your devices.

• Set up and use your equipment prior to hitting the road to make sure it works.
• Bring manuals for new devices for handy access to operating instructions.
• Don’t forget CDs, DVDs, and USB cables.
• Don’t pack any electronics or discs in suitcases in the trunk; keep them in their carrying cases in the vehicle where they are easily accessible.

• Streamline the configuration of all electronics in your vehicle to avoid any hazards for the driver.
• Drivers should use hands free devices when making cell phone calls.
• Place all display screens like DVD players and laptops out of the driver's sight, including his or her immediate peripheral vision to avoid any distraction.