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Access your e-mail anywhere?

In this techie world, being able to communicate with colleagues, friends and family regardless of your or their location is possible with mobile phones, e-mails, and the internet. In fact it's now quite difficult to escape the outside world.

As a business owner who is often on the road, staying in touch with people inside and outside of the business is critical to my peace of mind. I nearly go into panic mode if I can't access my constant stream of e-mails and mobile phone calls. (Confession of a Nerd here: I am one of those sad individuals who likes taking their laptop on holiday with them just so I have access to my e-mail.)

So this week we're going to take a quick look at the various ways of accessing your e-mail when you are away from home or the office.

In basic terms your need just two things to get to your e-mails:
1.    Access to an internet capable hardware device (eg. desktop computer, laptop, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or mobile phone.
2.    An internet connection.

Pretty simple really but you need to do a bit of planning and prep work before you head away so you don't encounter any snags.

The device
The advantage of taking your own internet capable device is that you are not dependent on others. You will be set-up and ready to go. The downside is that you have to carry the device around. If you are traveling internationally the internet costs maybe high; the device needs to be set up correctly with the appropriate connectors; and there's the risk of theft or general travel damage. Here are some options:

•    Take your own internet capable laptop, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or mobile phone.
•    Borrow or hire a computer that has internet access.
•    Check out internet access at cafés or the local library
•    Enquire with the hotels/motels that you are staying at whether they have a business centre for guests
•    Airline lounges generally provide internet access and there are business lounges also available in some cities (including the new Business Lounge in the Napier CBD www.thebusinesslounge.co.nz).

The connection
With your usual e-mail program (ie Microsoft Outlook or Express) or a webmail services (ie: hotmail) here are some connection options:
•    Wireless: If you have your own internet capable device you can hook into a wireless internet connection. The only catch is that you will need to know the owner's security code unless it is unsecured. Wireless Hotspots are often available at libraries, airports, cafes, and hotels.
•    Mobile: With Vodafone or Telecom's mobile internet services, your laptop, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or e-mail capable mobile phone  can receive e-mails as long as there is mobile network coverage. For many years Vodafone has enabled clients roaming connection when overseas, but be very careful of the charges for doing this.
•    Phone line: Internet service providers will allow you to use your account by simply dialing your usual number - or a specified number - wherever you are in New Zealand. Internationally, they'll provide what's called a 'global roaming' service.

So that's a quick run-down on accessing e-mails anywhere.