Executive Travel

* Name: Sue McGinty

* Position: Project manager, Crwth Computer Courseware, Santa Monica

Instead of using a special carrying case, I pack my computer in a large book bag. A book bag or workout bag is a more discreet way of carrying an expensive piece of equipment around in public. Also, it fits better under an airplane seat. It is unwise to stow a sensitive laptop in an overhead bin, where it might shift in flight and--heaven forbid--hit someone in the head as he or she opens the bin.

I put components like the detachable track-ball mouse, extra power unit and a small modem into drawstring “stuff sacks” purchased from camping outfitters. I pop the computer itself into a larger stuff sack, pack my manuals around the unit to absorb the shocks from jarring, and put diskettes into a Velcro wallet. Finally, I make sure that the book bag, diskette wallet and the computer are labeled with my name and destination phone number.