Backpacks, Cookies, and MagnetsQuestions, questions, questions. One would think from my recent inbox that everyone out there is having problems with their computers. Some are certain that their machines will be forever bombarding them with error messages. Others are having problems living and working with their PCs - much like a couple who became man and wife after a shotgun wedding.by Thomas CaldwellBusiness backpacking Several readers have asked about my progress in finding a backpack case suitable for holding one's laptop and business paraphernalia. After checking around at numerous luggage and computer shops, I settled on the Kensington Saddlebag (distributed in Japan by Nippon Polaroid KK; phone 03-3438-8879, fax 03-5473-1630). The "suggested retail price" is ¥12,800, but most places discount it quite a bit. This is a well-put-together bag that fits most, if not all, notebook/laptop PCs. Among its features are plastic-lined pockets to keep out rain and places for a cellular phone, notebook, pens, business cards, cords, and documents. The backpack straps can be stowed away and replaced with a shoulder strap, just in case you need to look a bit more "conventional." The Kensington Saddlebag looks sharp, is well balanced and - most important - comfortable to carry. After you have spent a few days running around with this instead of a shoulder bag, I predict you'll see a noticeable improvement in your posture as well as your energy level. Since your body doesn't have to constantly compensate for being off-balance, you have more "juice" for the important things in life. (Such as work?) I use mine every day, and I find it the most practical way to lug my gear around Tokyo.
A non-cookie diet Although commercial activity is what will enable the Internet to continue growing, this method of spying on individuals is a horrible invasion of privacy. It's the same thing as NTV and TBS rigging your TV to keep track of what shows you watch and when you watch them. The room for abuse is frightening. My suggestion is to just boycott sites that require cookies. Don't access them, and send a complaining e-mail message to the advertisers who patronize them. Also, be warned that many of the porno sites employ cookies, which could at some point be used to investigate who is transporting material considered obscene across international borders. Although the USENET newsgroups are rife with the stuff, having your e-mail address and name passed around in such circles could lead to unpleasant consequences - especially in Japan. Maintain your privacy at all costs!
A stand-alone keyboard+printer For those who like to turn off all the power at the fuse box on weekends to get away from the electromagnetic pollution in your home, the box on this page lists a few websites that you can download and print out ahead of time on the subject of writing without electricity. I'm won't go into the topic of typewriters in this column since there is so little space, but if anyone is interested in sharing information on the subject, please e-mail me privately. I'll be putting a special area together on my website in the near future.
A magnetic magazine A magnetic clasp in the same vicinity as a floppy disk? Bad idea folks! Especially in the business gift department. Instead, send your business associates something safe this year. How about something they can really use and appreciate well into the next year: a good book on Windows 95 troubleshooting. Or, better yet, a subscription to Computing Japan. Got a burning question, or an alternative answer? You can reach Query columnist Thomas Caldwell at caldwell@gol.com.
Back to the table of contents 
|