Tips for Mobile Indexing
So, what's it like being a mobile indexer? Much the same as being a stationary indexer. However, I did find the following exceptions and items of note.
(1) Non-Scootchy stuff to put laptop on. If you plan on using your laptop at the camper table while someone else is driving, get this non-scootchy stuff. This can be purchased through the camping catalogs. But it's also available at Walmart and dollar stores. Check around for prices. It will also help keep things from moving around in the cabinets and drawers. This means the coach will be quieter while going down the road, enabling you to concentrate more. And you won't have to hold your laptop with one hand while you index with the other.
(2) Auxiliary Keyboard. Yes, your laptop has a keyboard. So you may be thinking, What's the point? My fingers were able to do their job much better! I was amazed at the difference. Many of the newer laptops come with the ability to add an auxiliary keyboard. Before you purchase an extra keyboard, try using your laptop keyboard while cruising down the road. If you find yourself hitting the wrong keys, try it next time with your home-based keyboard. If you decide it works much better, then you can buy a keyboard, store it in the motorcoach and you're ready to input next time.
(3) Mouse. This is currently at the top of my wish list. I use the touchpad when I'm stationary and I totally love it. But, using the touchpad while moving down the road was (for me) a disaster. I have a light touch, and the bouncies in the road kept making me tap the pad at all the wrong times. There is a special "splitter" that you plug into the keyboard outlet, and it allows you to use both an auxiliary keyboard and a mouse.
Port management is the name of the game here. You probably will have a serial port on the back of your laptop, which some mice use. However, my cellphone plugs into the serial port. So, I have to get a mouse that uses the round, little port, and split it with my auxiliary keyboard.
(4) Be prepared to not have wireless Internet access everywhere, as there are many gaps, even in populated areas. I was thoroughly surprised to go through Cincinnati, Ohio and have no provider even though I have a national plan. Similarly, I was in a "gap" at my stepson's home--he's 4 miles outside of the tower range from one town, and 2 miles outside from the town on the other side.
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