Traveling and shipping

Appendix C: Routine care

For best results, follow these traveling and shipping tips:

■Prepare the computer for traveling or shipping:

1.Back up your information.

2.Remove all optical discs and all external media cards, such as digital cards and ExpressCards.

ÄTo reduce the risk of damage to the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information, remove the media from a drive before removing the drive from a drive bay, and before shipping, storing, or traveling with a drive.

3.Turn off and then disconnect all external devices.

4.Shut down the computer.

■Take along a backup of your information. Keep the backup separate from the computer.

■When traveling by air, carry the computer as hand luggage, and do not check it in with the rest of your bags.

Ä Avoid exposing a drive to magnetic fields. Security devices with magnetic fields include airport walk-through devices and security wands. The airport security devices that check carry-on luggage, such as conveyor belts, use X-rays instead of magnetism and will not damage a drive.

■In-flight computer use is at the discretion of the airline. If you plan to use the computer during a flight, check with the airline in advance.

■If the computer will be unused and disconnected from external power for more than

2weeks, remove the battery pack and store it separately.

■If you are shipping the computer or a drive, use suitable protective packaging and label the package “FRAGILE.”

■If the computer has a wireless device or a cell phone device installed, such as an 802.11b/g, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), or a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) device, the use of these devices may be restricted in some environments. Such restrictions may apply onboard aircraft, in hospitals, near explosives, and in hazardous locations. If you are uncertain of the policy that applies to the use of a particular device, ask for authorization to use it before you turn it on.

■If you are traveling internationally, follow these suggestions:

❏ Check the computer-related customs regulations for each country or region on your itinerary.

❏ Check the power cord and adapter requirements for each location in which you plan to use the computer. Voltage, frequency, and plug configurations vary.

Å To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not attempt to power the computer with a voltage converter kit sold for appliances.

26	Notebook Essentials