How to Get Work Done Anywhere

There are many of us who are bound to a Dilbert-like office setting and only occasionally get a chance to stretch our legs and work outside of the break room. If you're lucky, however, you may be able to freelance, telecommute, work from the road, or manage an occasional "work from home" afternoon. These 7 tools can help make that dream a reality - and may put your productivity on par with those who never leave their desks!

1. An affordable, yet reliable netbook

Lugging a business-class laptop from work to home is a (literal) pain.  Forget that a standard model can weigh upwards of 9 pounds, or more - these tools of the trade can be boxy, awkward, and heat up a lap with more BTU's than a coffee pot.  Netbooks, on the other hand, are not only lightweight, practical, and affordable, but many of them come standard with some of the niftiest accessories (like a built-in webcam.)  The $350 average investment can make your work easy to take anywhere.  Just throw it into your usual handbag or briefcase for little fuss!

(photo provided is a Toshiba Mini Netbook model NB205-N325BL 10.1-Inch)

2.  A good optical mouse

Yes, there are ways to use your new netbook without one, but why try?  Anyone with fingers larger than jellybeans will adore how a high-quality mouse leaves them without the hand cramp that accompanies hours of scratching at a touch pad.  Choose between a USB-connected option, or for a few more dollars, grab a wireless mouse.  (Just be mindful of where you'll be using this peripheral.  Airlines will not appreciate the wireless alternative.)

(photo provided is an imicro MO-5013U USB Optical Mouse)

3.  Open Office Software

Many of the newer netbooks come standard with some kind of Microsoft Office suite, but many charge extra - much extra--for the luxury.  Why not ensure that all your documents, spreadsheets, and databases are compatible with ANY computer you use or own, and download the free office solution from OpenOffice.org?  This open source miracle provides you the ability to create, revise, and save files the way you should be able to, and sending it back to your workplace (or a client) has never been so easy!

4.  Google Docs

Looking for a place to store all your hard work shouldn't be complicated (or require an external drive to do so.) If your needs are basic, and you just want to have everything in one, easy-to-access place, Google Docs is still the one-stop solution for putting all your precious eggs in a basket you can get to anytime, anywhere.

5.  IM

Instant messaging has always had its supposed social appeal, but when it comes to a tool for getting a quick word in with a client, co-worker, or boss, there's still no substitute.  Quickly replacing cell phone text messages as the best way to ping anyone, IM's can be simple and effective methods of finding an answer to a question, conducting a very brief 5-minute meeting, or to simply check in with your status on an important project.   (It's also convenient to access IM's in an SMS format via cell phones.)  Platforms are varied, so as long as everyone on the team is using something compatible, you're good to go.  (Expert IM'ers are usually registered at several popular platforms for the best coverage, including Skype, Windows Live, Meebo, Digsby, Miranda, and Pidgin.)

6.  Portable Power

If there's no juice, there's no productivity, and this is one area where planning ahead of time can save your job!  Whether you choose to bring extra chargers for a wall outlet or vehicle charger, or decide to get into a nice solar or battery-charged backup device, you'll need to prepare for when your battery goes for good.  (Some people prefer to keep an extra charged laptop battery in their possession, but be aware:  the regulations for air travel with spare batteries may have changed since the last time you flew.  See the TSA website for details on what's allowed.)

7.  Ergonomic Know-How

I first heard of "ergonomics" around the same time I was aware that "efficiency experts" really did exist.  If there's anything you should try to keep as similar to the workplace as possible, it's the practice of this fancy word for "sit up straight and don't spend long hours typing from your La-Z-Boy."  Not only is it very easy to forget that most office furniture was designed to minimize the chances of carpal tunnel, eye fatigue, and eye strain, it is something that -- even if we wanted to replicate - we may find difficult in a home office or travel environment.

(photo features Gunnar Optiks indoor computer glasses)

If you don't have the budget to invest in top-of-the-line equipment (like a specially-designed chair or my favorite pair of Gunnar Optiks), consider these tips from "Ergo-girl" in this kinda-cheesy, but totally truthful video regarding laptop use:

Headline image credit Justin Horrocks

Depending on your line of work, you can probably come up with several more tools that are a must-have for you to be successful both in and out of the office.  If you could have any of them to help you in your day, which ones would you choose?