For most small business owners vacation isn’t purely for fun. Unfortunately business doesn’t come to a screeching halt just because you need some R&R. Here’s a look at some essential technology gadgets for small business owners to bring on the next vacation.
Stay connected without wasting time searching for the nearest Starbucks or McDonalds to get online while on vacation. Small business owners can invest in a wireless broadband card that comes in the form of a USB stick or a card, starting around $39.99 a month. It’s offered by most of the wireless carriers including Verizon Wireless. With it you can answer email or put out any fires while soaking in the rays on the beach.
Be it a Blackberry or iPhone, having a smartphone on vacation is essential if to enjoy that vacation. Smartphones are always connected to the Internet, which you can reply to e-mails, surf the Web and attend to matters like payroll. Not to mention most small business owners store all their business contacts on the phone, which means they don’t have to scramble to find a number for that disgruntle client. Thanks to the slew of mobile apps (especially for the iPhone) small business owners will be able to conduct most of the business tasks done in the office on the beach.
Smartphones are great, but their small screens make it hard to do bigger tasks like a proposal. Most notebook computers are light and new technology means the battery lasts much longer. Some notebook computers come with built in broadband Internet cards that give anywhere, anytime access to the Internet. If you don’t want to pack the pricey laptop think about buying a mini- computer, which is much cheaper than a notebook but doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles. For example small business owners can buy a Dell Inspiron Laptop at Walmart.com starting at $498.
There’s nothing worse than squinting or having to constantly shift your screen in order to see what’s on it. These cheap anti-glare screens guarantee the ability to see what’s on the device on the brightest of days and offer protection from unwanted wondering eyes from strangers.
Walt Disney World doesn’t provide power plugs while waiting in line for the Pirate’s of Caribbean and try finding a power outlet on a beach. Thankfully Mother Nature can help. The Solio Classic-I is a universal charger that converts energy from the sun to power devices whether it’s a mobile phone, iPod or computer. The device works with more than 3,200 devices and can hold a charge for up to a year. It sells for $79.95 and can also be plugged into the wall.