Lap of Luxury

When traveling, you don't have to use your laptop for a food tray any longer.

by Stefanie Berry

Laptops seem almost as ubiquitous as peanuts aboard airplanes these days. Here's a wild idea: let's use them while in flight. A few accessories have made it easier to get work done.

No More Getting Tangled

No one traveling with a laptop should be without a self-retracting phone cord for connecting to the Internet. Once you have one, the days of short, damaged hotel phone cords are gone. And no more trying to neatly fold and store the regular phone cord you've been carrying—unless it's retractable, it's tough to keep tidy. Road Warrior offers two retractable cords, one with 14 feet of phone cable ($14.99) and another with 20 feet ($19.99), each housed in a compact and durable case (no tension on the line). Available at iGo Mobile Technology Outfitter by calling 888-205-0064 or online at www.igo.com.

Light Up Your Laptop

Also great from Road Warrior is the Laptop Light ($19.99). It's portable, ultra flexible and doesn't require batteries. Just plug it into your computer's PS/2 port, pull it around to the desired position and you'll get all the light you need. Great for dimly lit conditions such as airplane cabins during nighttime flying. Available at iGo Mobile Technology Outfitter by calling 888-205-0064 or online at www.igo.com.

Laptop PJs

No kidding. Slip your laptop into one of these wear-all-the-time PJs, and it'll stay snug in a tight, padded leather case. A zippered pocket conveniently holds phone cords, notes and CDs. Plus, a full zippered opening ensures that the PC is still easy to use, though it's protected from the countless nicks and minor blows that can take their toll over time. The padded case never has to come off (these PJs aren't just for night), thanks to a "backdoor" that unzips and allows you to plug in the necessary cords. The PJs are just three-eighths of an inch thick, so your laptop will still fit into most briefcases. Two Laptop PJ sizes are available from Levenger—the small is $109; large, $119. To order call 800-544-0880 or go to www.levenger.com.