As computing technologies mature, and the expectation of users is that access is ubiquitous, a number of technologies are filling that dream. Today many of us carry any of a variety of internet connected devices -- laptops, netbooks, and smartphones. We also have the ability, through many ISPs to access email, etc through a webmail interface.
But what happens if you want to travel REALLY light?
In the early to mid 2000's, Sandisk created a USB stick with a number of applications on it which allowed the user to have portability of their applications, and retain Addressbooks, weblinks and all the other detritus we collect as we use the web. The Sandisk U3 continues to be available.
Google, Yahoo, MSN, and others offer a number of other functions to allow the connected user to keep their lives in order, but there comes a point where maintaining a plethora of accounts becomes a challenge. This is where the inter-connectivty of using the cloud becomes attractive. By using the same or similar applications, on various devices, all can share in the same information.
The ideal of freedom from a particular device has not been lost in the public domain either. The website PortableApps.com has complied an excellent array of open source applications which can be kept on a USB key and used on any PC-based (including wine) system. The beauty of this product is two-fold: the apps are all freely available, and the user leaves no trace on the host's computer. You can borrow just about anyone's computer for your internet activity, and retain all your bookmarks, addresses, and histories on your USB key.
For the user who does not wish to carry a laptop, this seems a viable option.
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