If you don't have an available PC Card slot on your laptop, check out Novatel's Sage wireless IP modem. Like the AirCard, it operates on a CDPD network, and like a standard modem, it connects to your computer through a serial port. One benefit: The Sage works with machines using any version of Windows. On the downside: It's nearly the size of a PalmPilot -- but it weighs twice as much as a Palm III.

Coordinates: $400. Novatel Wireless Inc., www.novatelwireless.com

If you're a PalmPilot fan and you want to get unplugged, you may not have to wait much longer. Palm Computing (a division of 3Com) is set to launch the Palm VII, an all-in-one, wireless, palm-size computer.

The Palm VII will sport a flip-up antenna that snaps down neatly along the side of the unit. Spring the antenna, and you're ready to go online. One catch is that the device will not include a full-fledged Web browser: Users will be able to connect to selected sites only. BellSouth will provide wireless service for the Palm VII, and monthly fees will start at about $10.

Coordinates: Less than $800. Palm Computing, www.palm.com

Sidebar: Laptops to Go

Going first-class? IBM's ThinkPad 600E is a full-size laptop that can play DVD movies -- and it's ideal for making computer-based slide presentations on the road.

The mighty mini: Fujitsu's LifeBook B112 is small enough to fit on an airplane's flip-down tray but big enough to contain a 233-MHz processor with MMX.

Thin is in: Sony's Vaio 505 SuperSlim Notebook has an elegant design that will draw stares on a coast-to-coast flight.

Flying coach? Gateway's Solo 2500SE is a budget-priced notebook that has all the computing necessities, including a 4-GB hard drive.

Sidebar: Quain's Top 10 On the Road

1. Bring extra laptop batteries.

2. Leave copies behind. Be sure to store backup copies of important files on your desktop PC.

3. Record the serial numbers of all your high-tech hardware.

4. Pack printouts. Bring along hard copies of your schedule and of your on-the-road contacts.

5. Write down tech-support phone numbers for your computer maker.

6. Use free-mail. Sign up for a free email service, and send critical files to your address.

7. Get local-access dial-up numbers for your Internet-service provider.

8. Use password protection. Most portable computers have this option, which prevents inquiring minds from ogling your work.

9. Bring a printer cable that connects to your laptop.

10. Update your voice-mail greeting. Let callers know whether they can reach you by email.