technology (3)

When travelling on business always take your own Ethernet cable and USB sticks with you. Even when hotels have broadband connections, there is often a shortage of connection cables for some reason. USB sticks come in handy if you can't connect your laptop to a projection system when making a presentation.

Your spangly, super-intelligent mobile phone won’t work in Japan. The clever bods at Nokia and RIM have worked out how to make European phones work in the US, but there’s no way of doing the same for Japan.

You can get a Japanese mobile at Narita airport, but communicating with some Vodafone Japanese dude minutes after a 12 hour flight can be excruciating (though less excruciating than forgetting to give it back on the way home). The second, infinitely preferable, way is to contact your mobile operator before you head to north Asia. They’ll give you a phone, clear operating instructions and a favourable contract.

If you also like to be able to connect with your laptop while also on the move, Vodafone and other mobile operators have invented an ingenious device: the 3G Data Card. This small memory-stick-like device attaches to your computer and delivers a cybernetic connection almost as speedy as broadband at home. Remarkable little thing – you’ll never again need to search in vain for a wireless connection to send a hefty attachment. They are available at most London mobile phone shops (e.g. Carphone Warehouse).