TMO Quick Tip - Prepping Yourself for the Macworld Expo Trek

by , 7:30 AM EST, January 3rd, 2007

Macworld Expo 2007 is only days away, which means its almost time to pack up your MacBook, iPod and toothbrush and head for San Francisco. Odds are you'll have a good time, but with a little planning, your Expo adventure can be even better.

Making the Pilgrimage
Before you even start packing, check with the Transportation Security Administration in the United States, or the Department of Transport if you are coming from the United Kingdom, and double-check the flight guidelines to see what you can and can't take in your luggage or as carry-on.

If you plan on using your 'Book on the plane, be sure to shut off Bluetooth and AirPort on your laptop before flying. The airlines don't want our black magic-voodoo radio waves bouncing through the cabin, and it saves on battery life.

Make sure your iPod is fully charged before you go to the airport. If your flight is delayed, at least you'll have some music to listen to.

You can also check out what I had to say on flying with tech gear a few months ago.

Managing Moscone
San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center can get overwhelming when you are trying to see all of the vendor booths, hit some conference sessions, and maybe score tickets to some of the after-hours parties like Cirque du Mac. Figure out your schedule ahead of time, otherwise you'll miss something you really wanted to see.

You can check the event schedule on the Macworld Expo Web site.

If your Expo pass includes access to the Steve Jobs keynote on Tuesday morning, arrive early. Seating is limited, so not everyone is going to get in. Shelling out the cash for an expo pass with keynote access does not guarantee you'll a front row seat, either. This cattle call is first come, first served.

Also, if this is your first trip to Macworld Expo, buddy up with someone that's been before. Odds are they can turn you on to stuff you wouldn't have discovered on your own.

For even more tips on making your Macworld Expo trip all it can be, check out John Martellaro's Hidden Dimensions column on going to the World Wide Developer conference. Sure, it's about WWDC, but the tips on prepping and attending the keynote still apply.

Macworld Expo runs from January 8 through January 12, 2006, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. For additional information about the Expo and events, visit the Macworld Expo Web site.

Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

if you have tips or tricks to share, or Mac-related questions you want answered.