Guide to Doing Business While You Play

Download that big file -- from the beach!

Municipal wireless networks that can handle large data loads are being built worldwide, but are not yet available everywhere, and Wi-Fi hotspots can be tough to find. So what to do in the meantime when you need to download that large file and you're away from the office?

I recommend: Mobile broadband is your best bet. A mobile broadband connection card lets you access the Internet anywhere on your carrier's mobile broadband network. The Sprint-Nextel mobile broadband site for small business has information on mobile broadband cards and power vision phones; you can also test connection speed and find coverage areas for high-speed service.

Automatically forward office calls to your cell

Vacations aren't fun if work beckons at inconvenient times. Fortunately, phone service providers are sensitive to the needs of entrepreneurs and anyone else who must stay connected to their business while enjoying time away during the summer.

I recommend: Services are available that forward office calls and voicemail to your mobile phone, essentially integrating your mobile and office phone systems and helping you stay in touch. Wikipedia has a helpful and detailed explanation of how various call forwarding features work.

Take a rugged phone on your vacation

Let's face it. Most cell phones just can't take a licking and keep on ticking. Whether hiking, rafting, mountain climbing or biking, your phone most likely can't handle Mother Nature like you can.

I recommend: Consider a ruggedized phone -- first designed for the military, but now widely available -- which can handle extreme conditions, including dust, shock, extreme temperatures and moisture. If you are braving the outdoors and want a phone that can brave the elements with you, this is definitely the way to go. Rugged phone solutions are also available at Business.com.

Coordinate the troops even while you're away

Making multiple calls throughout the day trying to coordinate your team can be cumbersome.

I recommend: Consider a walkie-talkie phone with a carrier that has a large push-to-talk network. This can make it easier to stay in touch on the go, especially for projects that require real-time attention and collaboration. Sprint is known for its Nextel business class walkie talkie technology.

Keep up with breaking business news

It's crucial to know what's happening in your industry in real-time, even when you're away.

I recommend: Many new smart phones offer on-demand web content access with a push of a button. This lets you receive customized industry news, headlines and other information.

Access key contacts on the go

If you need to reach a company colleague or a member of the family, many smart phones now allow you to access Microsoft Outlook or other email programs that store all of your contacts.

I recommend: Whether you want to check in on the new business meeting or the dogs, it's important to have your contacts at your fingertips. This Work.com Guide to Smartphones can help you find what you need.