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Traveling With Your Computer
Dell™Latitude™D420User'sGuide
Identifying Your Computer
Packing the Computer
Travel Tips

Identifying Your Computer

lAttach a name tag or business card to the computer.
lWrite 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.
lCreate a file on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop called if_found. Place information such as your name, address, and phone number in this file.
lContact your credit card company and ask if it offers coded identification tags.

Packing the Computer

lRemove any external devices attached to the computer and store them in a safe place. Remove any cables attached to installed PC Cards or
ExpressCards, and remove any extended PC Cards (see Removing a PC Card, 34-mm Express Card, or Blank).
lTomakethecomputeraslightaspossible,replaceanydevicesinstalledinthemediabaywiththeDellTravelLite™module.
lFully charge the main battery and any spare batteries that you plan to carry with you.
lShut down the computer.
lDisconnect the AC adapter.
lRemove any extraneous items, such as paper clips, pens, and paper, from the keyboard and palm rest and close the display.
lUsetheoptionalDell™carryingcasetopackthecomputeranditsaccessoriestogethersafely.
lAvoid packing the computer with items such as shaving cream, colognes, perfumes, or food.
lProtect the computer, the batteries, and the hard drive from hazards such as extreme temperatures and overexposure to sunlight, dirt, dust, or liquids.
lPack the computer so that it does not slide around in the trunk of your car or in an overhead storage compartment.

Travel Tips

lConsider changing your power management options to maximize battery operating time (see Configuring Power Management Settings).
lIf you are traveling internationally, carry proof of ownershipor of your right to use the computer if it is company-ownedto 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.
lFind out what type of electrical outlets are used in the countries you will visit, and have appropriate power adapters.
lCheck with your credit card company for information about the kinds of emergency travel assistance it offers to users of portable computers.

Traveling by Air

lEnsure that you have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.
lPrior 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.
NOTICE: When the display is closed, extraneous items on the keyboard or palm rest could damage the display.
NOTICE: If the computer has been exposed to extreme temperatures, allow it to acclimate to room temperature for 1 hour before turning it on.
NOTICE: Do not move the computer while using the optical drive to prevent loss of data.
NOTICE: Do not check the computer as baggage.
NOTICE: Do not walk the computer through a metal detector. Send the computer through an X-ray machine or have it hand-inspected.