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Do you control your laptop, or does it control you?
It's not all work, work, work you know

By Graham Hayday

Published: Monday 07 October 2002

Mobiles and laptops: a blessing or a curse? If you've logged on to the company email when you're on holiday, or worked on a business document at the weekend, then you might think it's the latter (and your family certainly will).

It's obvious that technology is blurring the line between work and home life.

In response, Sony Ericsson has produced some guidelines that can help you get the most out of the technology without burning out.

Here are those top tips for the laptop generation:

1. Avoid inbox tyranny
Set a fixed time every day to prune emails and only react to non-urgent or important emails during their respective times.
2. Avoid delaying tactics
Don't completely ignore all phone calls and email, or you will create a tidal wave of messages that still need a response.
3. Don't hide behind technology
Balance face-to-face and digital communications.
4. Leave your laptop at work some weekends
It won't miss you and you should get in the habit of not missing it.
5. Get mobile
Use technology to create a more effective work schedule. Clear your in-box on the train, bus or taxi and leave work on time.
6. Recognise your work-clock/body-clock
Don't get locked inside your laptop. Determine your most productive hours and stick to them.
7. Power up
Ensure you have enough battery to complete the work you need to do. Be prepared and you won't get caught short.
8. Protect yourself
Watch out for people looking over your shoulder and eyeing up your work or your laptop.
9. Sit properly at your laptop
Conditions such as RSI and posture related problems have risen drastically in the last five years.
10. Stop believing bigger is better
Don't base your own importance on the size of your inbox.

Simple really. Still, hope they help you stay logged off this weekend.