Laptop Quick FixesEmergency-care options for your ailing notebook.

After nearly 20 years of using some sort of portable computer without incident, I recently found myself in a hotel room far from home with a notebook that refused to power on. I knew this would happen sooner or later, but I had no idea where to turn. I figured I wasn't alone; thus, this column was born.

Considering the rough-and-tumble nature of business travel, knowing how to get help when your notebook takes ill should be an important check-off item during the purchase process. Most IT services companies and resellers will offer reasonable service options when you buy a notebook from them, but if you're buying your system from an internet or retail office supply store, make sure the manufacturer has things covered.