Notebook computers may have become as essential as briefcases, but they're not always pleasant traveling companions.

That notebook that was feather-light when you bought it becomes a load of bricks when you're running through an airport to catch a connecting flight. Batteries die mid-flight, and loss and theft are always dangerous possibilities. Not to mention how a notebook computer can become an instrument of torture when you're scrunched in cattle-car class, trying to get some work done.

Are some airlines more notebook-friendly than others? How can you use your mobile computer most efficiently when you travel? We consulted two road warriors who travel with their laptops to get some useful tips for making your notebook easier to live with-both in the air and on the ground when you land.

Selecting an Airline

Here's a scenario that's literally gut-wrenching and probably painfully familiar to many inflight notebook users. After take-off, you pull the tray table down, open your computer, and start working. Then the person in front of you reclines his seat-and your notebook computer rams through your belly, fusing with your spine.

"I've never had any trouble with a laptop in business class, but all the airlines are equally horrible in coach. There just isn't enough room," says Robert McGarvey, who writes the TechnoTraveler column for biztravel.com, a Web site that provides information for business travelers. In other words, switching airlines rarely gets you more space in coach.

The exception is Midwest Express, a small airline that's legendary for coach class seating that offers "first class"-like space. Still, McGarvey says there are other ways in which some airlines are better than others for those traveling with computers.

"The main issue is what's considered a carry-on item and what's not," he says. American, United, and Delta Airlines limit carry-on luggage to two pieces, but there is some discretion, in spite of the recent crackdown on the number of bags allowed.

"That's pretty much up to the ground crew-it's their decision," says Matt Triaca, a United Airlines spokesperson. Bill Dreslin of American Airlines adds that "There are times when we have to be strict, depending on the passenger load. But we tell our people to be flexible if they can."

McGarvey says that, in his experience, American Airline crews typically are more lenient than those of other airlines. Joe Brancatelli, a former executive editor of Frequent Flyer magazine and a columnist for biztravel.com, agrees.

McGarvey adds that he has found Southwest Airlines to be friendly to computer-toting passengers, and Brancatelli says Continental is usually cooperative.

If you do get into a dispute about your notebook computer, don't argue, McGarvey cautions. "Gate crews have a lot of power, and they're hassled all the time," he says. "Sometimes, if you argue, they'll do just the opposite. Cajoling works better, even begging if it's really important."

When you're permitted to use your notebook during a flight also differs among airlines. Federal regulations state that notebooks can't be on during take-off or landing. "All the airlines have, at best, erratic policies about when you can use computers," McGarvey says. "Some flight attendants interpret the usability windows more tightly than others."

Again, McGarvey has found that American Airlines tends to be more forgiving. Several airlines plan to install in-seat power ports that will allow you to plug your notebook directly into a power source, instead of depending on batteries-assuming you have the right adapter.

Although this option will be useful on long flights, it is not yet widely available. "United, American, and Delta have committed to putting them in, but none is moving particularly fast," Brancatelli says. So far, those airlines have installed only a few power outlets on a handful of planes.

Kip Smith, a Delta spokesman, says that power ports have been placed in the front-of-cabin classes in some widebody jets used on international routes. Power ports will be installed in certain models of new planes used on domestic routes as they are added to the fleet.

American's Dreslin says his airline is being more aggressive. Initially, American only placed ports in first- and business-class cabins on transatlantic flights. But according to Dreslin, the airline expects to have coach-class power ports in all but the company's oldest airplanes within three years.

Another consideration when selecting an airline: Some airlines fly into smaller, less-crowded airports. "If you're going to San Francisco, fly into Oakland," McGarvey says. "It's a very compact airport that's easy to get around, and it's just as easy to get to downtown San Francisco [from Oakland] as it is from the main airport."

Similarly, when flying to New York, LaGuardia Airport is more compact than Kennedy. If you're flying to the southern part of the Los Angeles megalopolis, Orange County is a good choice. And, depending on where you are going in the Chicago area, Midway or even Milwaukee, may be more convenient than flying into O'Hare, McGarvey says.

You're On Your Way

Since travelers often spend more time inside airports than on airplanes, Brancatelli suggests they join an airline club, which offers the convenience of a separate lounge with business facilities. "If you've invested $2,000 on a laptop, what's another $200 to join an airline club and have a comfortable place to use it?" he asks.

If you decide not to join a club, keep an eye out for power outlets located near the gate's seating areas. Vancouver International Airport has outlets that are clearly labeled for laptop use.

When you aren't using your computer, you should keep a close eye on it, especially when you pass through security. Let's say you set your notebook on the conveyor just before the person in line ahead of you sets off the metal detector alarm. While security guards check that person, your computer will sit unattended at the end of the conveyor. An increasing number of notebooks are disappearing when this happens, McGarvey says.

Hold on to your computer as long as possible, and if you are delayed while passing through security, keep an eye on the end of the conveyor. Also, if you're worried about sensitive data falling into the wrong hands, use a security program like Symantec's Norton Your Eyes Only. This program encrypts your data and also requires a password to start the notebook.

Need to check your e-mail while you're in the air? You're out of luck, McGarvey and Brancatelli agree. Although most coach seats have phones with dataports, Brancatelli says he has "never, ever successfully connected with them for data."

Finally, if you only need to carry your pertinent information with you-such as appointments, contacts, e-mail, tasks-you might consider trading in your notebook for a personal digital assistant such as a 3Com PalmPilot or a Microsoft Windows CE-based handheld PC. However, you wouldn't want to rely on these devices to draft a 15-page presentation.

You've Arrived

Because using a notebook on an airplane can be so uncomfortable, many travelers primarily use them in remote offices and hotels. Before you make reservations, ask how well-prepared the hotel's rooms are for computing.

"The better hotel chains like Hyatt, Sheraton, Westin, and Inter-Continental have business-class rooms in their big-city properties," Brancatelli says. "These rooms carry about a $15 premium and are equipped with dataports on the phones, fax/printer/scanner units, and desk-level power plugs." Oddly, he notes, some rooms at top hotels such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are not computer-friendly.

No matter where you stay, you may have difficulty making a modem connection. Many hotels use digital telephone systems that won't work with your analog modem if there's no dedicated dataport on the phone. If you travel frequently, you may want to carry a device that will allow you to safely connect using a digital phone line. If you're traveling internationally, be sure to use the correct phone and outlet adapters.

Travelling with your notebook computer will never be a honeymoon, but you can at least learn to enjoy each other's company.