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Traveling With Your Computer

Dell™ Latitude™ D830 User's Guide

  Identifying Your Computer

  Packing the Computer

  Travel Tips

Identifying Your Computer

• Attach a name tag or business card to the computer.
  
  
• Write down your Service Tag and store it in a safe place away from the computer or carrying case. Use the Service Tag if you need to report a loss or theft to law enforcement officials and to Dell.
  
  
• Create a file on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop called if_found. Place information such as your name, address, and phone number in this file.
  
  
• Contact your credit card company and ask if it offers coded identification tags.
  
  

Packing the Computer

• Remove any external devices attached to the computer and store them in a safe place. Remove any cables attached to installed PC Cards, and remove any extended PC Cards (see Removing a Card or Blank).
  
  
• To make the computer as light as possible, replace any devices installed in the module bay with the Dell TravelLite™ module.
  
  
• Fully charge the main battery and any spare batteries that you plan to carry with you.
  
  
• Shut down the computer.
  
  
• Disconnect the AC adapter.
  
  

NOTICE: When the display is closed, extraneous items on the keyboard or palm rest could damage the display.

• Remove any extraneous items, such as paper clips, pens, and paper, from the keyboard and palm rest and close the display.
  
  
• Use the optional Dell™ carrying case to pack the computer and its accessories together safely.
  
  
• Avoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food.
  
  

NOTICE: If the computer has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow it to acclimate to room temperature for 1 hour before turning it on.

• Protect the computer, the batteries, and the hard drive from hazards such as extreme temperatures and overexposure to sunlight, dirt, dust, or liquids.
  
  
• Pack the computer so that it does not slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead storage compartment.
  
  

Travel Tips

NOTICE: Do not move the computer while using the optical drive to prevent loss of data.

NOTICE: Do not check the computer as baggage.

• Consider changing your power management options to maximize battery operating time (see Configuring Power Management Settings).
  
  
• If you are traveling internationally, carry proof of ownership—or of your right to use the computer if it is company-owned—to speed your passage through customs. Investigate the customs regulations of the countries you plan to visit, and consider acquiring an international carnet (also known as a merchandise passport) from your government.
  
  
• Find out what type of electrical outlets are used in the countries you will visit, and have appropriate power adapters.
  
  
• Check with your credit card company for information about the kinds of emergency travel assistance it offers to users of portable computers.
  
  

Traveling by Air

NOTICE: Do not walk the computer through a metal detector. Send the computer through an X-ray machine or have it hand-inspected.

• Ensure that you have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.
  
  
• Prior to entering the airplane, verify that using a computer is permitted. Some airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during flight. All airlines forbid the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing.
  
  

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