A friend asked recently how I check email while I travel. When she is home, she downloads emails to her desktop computer. When she travels, she takes a laptop computer and downloads new email files to her laptop. When she returns to her office at the end of the trip, she has trouble keeping her email files in order between her laptop and her desktop.

Several years ago, I consolidated my files into one computer instead of switching back and forth between a desktop and laptop. When I’m in my home town, I plug the computer to a full size screen, keyboard and speakers. When I travel, I take my laptop. Consolidating all my files into one computer minimizes travel related departure and arrival synching and eliminates email issues. And it’s cheaper than having two fully outfitted computers!