Travel Tech Q&A: LifeSize's Tim Fulton
Although LifeSize Communications sells high-definition video communications products to help people travel less, its manager for Australia and New Zealand still racks up a heap of frequent flyer points.
(Credit: LifeSize Communications)
Here, Tim Fulton shares his tips on travelling for business with the Logitech division.
What tech do you travel with and why?
Currently, I travel with an Android HTC phone, Samsung 8.9 tablet and a MacBook Pro. I'm hoping that I will have the confidence to leave the MacBook at home on my next trip, because the tablet is new. In the future, I should be able to get all of my computing needs through my tablet, including video conferencing. I'll use my HTC Android for voice calls. Otherwise, I travel light!
What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?
LifeSize ClearSea HD Video conferencing; I have a single mobile video application running on each of the three devices, so I can always be in touch with my team via video at any time. Dropbox as a single document-storage depository is also a must, keeping all of my devices in sync.
Personal travel advice/tip?
Routine — when on the flight I have a very defined routine, and for long-haul, I have one rule — you can never get too much sleep! So, food, water and sleep is key, and I fit that around any work that I need to catch up on. Travel light — there are very rarely places in the world where you can't buy anything you really need. Too many people take too much "just in case" and end up bringing it all home again untouched.
How do you deal with jet lag?
I have been travelling regularly and long-haul since I was a child living overseas, and for me there is no real single answer. I deal with jet lag as outlined above, but also do things when I arrive at the destination. Going for a run, a swim and exploring the city on foot helps. I also like my food, and feel that eating well always keeps you alert, busy and engaged.
What was your biggest travel disaster?
A full emergency landing, including evacuation slides and a 24-hour unplanned stopover in Istanbul due to a bomb scare! And that was 25 years ago!
Is there one thing you must do before you leave home?
I triple-check for passport, credit cards and chargers/USB cables. There's nothing worse than the panic of knowing that you have forgotten or lost a passport or wallet! Kiss my wife and children good-bye, and reassure the family that it is a business trip and I would much prefer to be at home than staying in a nice hotel overseas!
What is your dream travel tech to have on planes/in airports/at hotels?
On aeroplanes (I know it is available, but I have not experienced it yet) it would have to be internet access; not for email or VoIP, but simply for access to information and content. (I still love the idea that you are uncontactable when on a plane.)
Favourite destination city to work/visit and why?
It used to be the major Asian capital cities because electronics were always so cheap, but that is not so relevant these days. I always have fun in Hong Kong — it is one of the world's greatest cities with an interesting history and future ahead. I also have a good group of friends and colleagues based there.
Which airport would you prefer to be stranded at and why?
Singapore Changi — I love the speed and ease from disembarking to being in the back of a taxi on my way to the CBD, so no real need to be stranded at the airport!