Roadpost's Remote Internet Access (RIA) subscription service is great for travelers whose ISP's don't offer international access. Connect your laptop for $29.95 per month via local dial-up in over 150 countries, including 300 minutes of online time. Cell phone rental is available to (how did I ever live without one?), for $49.00 a week ($2 each additional day), with free incoming calls, voicemail and data services, coverage in 150 countries, two batteries, a charger plug, UK and European Adapters, and a pretty good user guide. Their friendly tech support staff will answer any questions for you before you go, or during your trip.
Price: $29.95/mo for RIA service, $49.00/wk for cellular phone
RoadPost Website

I have counted on TeleAdapt to keep me connected since the mid-1990's (last century, remember?) when they were a tiny company in San Jose and I was hauling twenty pounds of laptop gear around the world. They have been growing as the industry has been growing, and continue to stay on top of the market as the numero uno supplier of power adapters, converters, and all gadgetry related to keeping you electrified and connected to the matrix no matter where you are. And it hasn't all gone to their head...you can actually phone them with stupid questions and they won't make you feel like an idiot. This new laptop connection kit is a bargain and quite likely all you'll ever need.
Inflight International Laptop Connection Kit with 3 PowerPlugs & 15 phone adapters
Price: $59.00
TeleAdapt website

I love my Sony VAIO but I carry my Apple iBook. Why? No dongles, external drives, and no Windows. Just a clean white computer with the System X operating system. It's not a big deal until you try something like plugging in your digital camera. System X thinks "oh, you must want to download photos to your hard drive...hey, I'll open iPhoto for you!" I love that. You'll love that.
Price: from $999.00
iBook website

Olympus C-5050 Zoom Digital Camera

A five megapixel prosumer camera for the professional photographer in those of us who aren't pros. Overkill? Choose one of the lower-priced 2000, 3000, or 4000 models. Olympus is known for their lenses and the picture quality is very high. Using it is fairly intuitive (unlike the similarly priced Nikon Coolpix) and there are lots of options for automatic and manual operation. You'll need an additional storage card (it comes with a 32 MB Picture Card). I recommend the 128 MB card so you don't have to worry about running out of shots -- it holds up to 257 very high-quality photos and hundreds of lower-quality shots.
Price: $799 retail (I found it on the Web for under $600)
Olympus C-5050 Zoom website

EZQuest Hard Drive for Backup and Data Transfer

The EZQuest firewire hard drive lets you backup your whole system in just minutes. Before you travel, back up your data, then hide the drive somewhere a thief can't find it. Better yet, put it in a place where it won't be destroyed by fire, flood, or other natural disasters. This hard drive holds 120 gigabytes, likely as much storage, or storage than, your computer's hard drive. They're also handy for transferring info from one computer to another. If you don't have firewire on your computer, there's a model with USB, too.
Price: under $200.00
EZQuest website

Your homeowners, renters, or business insurance may cover stolen or damaged gear at home and while you're on the road. If it doesn't, you'll need your own. Safeware provides special computer insurance for your laptop and other electronic gear, plus personal effects.
Price: depends on extent of coverage and state, see site for instant quote
Safeware website

Targus DEFCON 1 Ultra Notebook Computer Cable Lock and Motion Sensor

You can relax in airports, restaurants, conference centers, and other public places with this system that combines stainless steel cable with motion sensor technology and a 95 decibel alarm to create a combination locking system that easily attaches to your notebook or carrying case in any setting. Lock it to the security key in your laptop (all laptops come with one) and loop the retractable cable around a table leg, a luggage cart...anywhere. You can set the motion sensor, too. I use it to secure my laptop, then loop it around the strap of my digital camera, my luggage, backpack, whatever, and confidently dine, leave it in my hotel room, step out of a conference room, without worrying about theft.
Price: under $50.00
Targus website