Carrying Your IT Equipment With You? 128
dada21 asks: "As an on-the-go journalist, IT consultant, entrepreneur and blogger, I find myself with way too much stuff. About 5 years ago I started to downsize and cut back to just 2 PCs total (small laptop and PVR desktop), 1 PDA, and 2 cell phones (main and backup). The laptop goes everywhere (doubling as a great GPS center in the vehicle for those long road trips), the PDA does, too. Traveling with all 4 electronic devices is a mess of cables: power/charger, USB, and the like. Everything is light and small but the bulk of all of it adds up. I currently use a Toy Machine messenger bag but it just doesn't work when you're trying to shove a file folder, pen/appointment selection and a day-timer in it. I'll spend the cash, even if it is really expensive, for the convenience, speed and quality for a jack-of-all-bags that can handle the jack-of-all-trades. What bag is the best solution?"
already covered? (Score:3, Informative)
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/04/05/142
Re:already covered? (Score:1, Funny)
Re:already covered? (Score:2)
Re:already covered? (Score:1)
Re:already covered? (Score:1)
That is (Score:2)
Re:already covered? (Score:4, Funny)
Why, yes, I do. (Score:4, Funny)
I don't have no purse or nothin in my pockets and I still carry all my IT equipment with me, if you know what I mean.
Make one yourself (Score:1)
Re:Make one yourself (Score:1)
Re:Make one yourself (Score:1)
Twisty Ties (Score:3, Informative)
You may be out of luck as far as a jack-of-all-bags. It all depends on how much mobility you want from your mobiles. Can you leave the phone/PDA and its charger close to the wall? Twisty tie the cord on the charger, plugs out for a nice, tight package. Maybe you could invest in retractable cords.
If you have the cash, you could set up "modules" of wires. Need a portable wireless point for the laptop/PDA? Strap the router/power cord/cat5 cable together.
My solution has typically been a compartmentalized cardboard box in the back seat of the car. 1/3 of it for network stuff, 1/3 for power, 1/3 for random widgets. Subdivide into network(PDA,laptop) and different power sources, mix, repeat. YMMV.
Redundant (Score:3, Insightful)
Why do you need a PDA if you have your laptop with you all the time? If you really, really want a small and clunky GUI for your address book or calendar, I'm sure you can find a PDA emulator somewhere.
Re:Redundant (Score:3, Insightful)
2: Utility. A modern PDA doubles as either an iPod, a camera, a GPS, or all of the three.
3: Safety. The most expensive PDA on the market is about $400. A geek's laptop is probably anywhere from twice to five times that expensive, and a fair bit harder to fix if broken, to boot
Re:Redundant (Score:2)
The most expensive PDA on the market is about $400.
A brand new Sharp Zaurus SL-6000 [conics.net] runs about twice that. Here's why. [conics.net] (Good thing I snagged mine for ~$375 used on eBay. ^_^ )
Anyway, yeah, I agree (since most PDA's are $400 or less).
Re:Redundant (Score:2)
Get a smartphone that also acts as a PDA, Camera and mp3-player. They can also act as GPS-devices if you get an external bluetooth-GPS (which you could leave at the car). And drop that "backup-phone". So instead of having PDA, Laptop and two cell-phones, you would just have a laptop and a smartphone.
Re:Redundant (Score:2)
Re:Redundant, but necessary (Score:3, Informative)
My current phone (Samsung t809) works great but it isn't there yet. I'm awaiting the Nokia N80 to arrive to see if I can replace my PDA and phone in o
Re:Redundant (Score:3, Interesting)
Some of the Sanyo phones even have a good GPS built in. Or you could get a Treo and drop the PDA.
Easy solution (Score:2, Funny)
It really isn't so hard if you put your mind to it, why do you act so 'working class'?
-Charlie
STM (Score:3, Informative)
STM uk (Score:2)
STM uk bags at Laptop:Essentials [laptopessentials.co.uk]
but again it depends on what you want personally I have one strap metal, one strap flexible and a backpack
regards
John Jones
Mini-Laptop (Score:3, Interesting)
Tenba (Score:2)
Re:Tenba (Score:2)
Thanks for the info.
Re:Tenba (Score:2)
Crumpler (Score:3, Informative)
I have a wonderful backpack that holds my widescreen 15" laptop, my D70 SLR camera, two extra lenses, power adapters, my PSP (even bigger than a PDA), and all the cables I need to hook up any of my electronics to anything else I might find (so many adapters and cables!!!)
I HIGHLY recommend Crumpler [crumplerbags.com] Bags... I have one called (IIRC) Brian's Hot Tub, but sadly it doesn't look like it's for sale on their site (they have an australian site too, it might be there).... This bag is so big that when I load it up with everything, my girlfriend honestly couldn't carry it... I've had it for three years, and it's still in great condition, no broken zippers, no ripped fabric...
I'd take a look at the messenger bags they offer, you can't get a higher quality bag, and they're aimed very squarly at people with digital lifestyles.
They have little mini "digits"... they're like padded pockets you can attach to anything (PERFECT for cellphone/mp3 players, anything you need in access to in less than 10 seconds)
Re:Crumpler (Score:2)
Appreciate the link!
Re:Crumpler (Score:2)
As it turns out, the Crumpler.ca [crumpler.ca] distribution center isn't too far from me. I rang up Jason there, and asked if I could come by to check out the bags in person. He said no problem, so I hauled my LowePro Slingshot and Timbuk2 messenger bags full of gear down. He unpacked me a Karachi Outpost, a
Re:Crumpler (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Crumpler (Score:2)
OTOH, that Tom Bihn site is horribly ugly, and wonderfully usable.... Not that the Crumpler site isn't ugly, because it is...
My solution. (Score:2)
Peripheralitis (Score:2)
Re:Peripheralitis (Score:1)
1^2 (Score:2)
Targus (Score:3, Informative)
I use this for college and its incredibly roomie and will carry everything. Yes its not hip and european, but it carries a ton of stuff. I easily carry:
Laptop
antec coolign pad
1/2 dozen CDs or so in the slim CD insert
cell phone in the cell phone pouch
USB mouse in the side pouch
water bottle on the side
2 textbooks
a notebook
several network cables
a binder
my lunch
a stapler
a calculator
several pens and pencils
etc
it should easily hold everything.
Re:Targus (Score:1)
Re:Targus (Score:1)
Re:Targus (Score:2)
Targus is universally known as the "LAPTOP! STEAL ME!" brand.
Re:Targus (Score:1)
Good question (Score:1, Offtopic)
Re:Good question (Score:2)
Re:Good question (Score:1)
That sound you hear is me rolling my eyes.
Re:Good question (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Good question (Score:3, Insightful)
As you may or may not have noticed, a diskette is roughly the size and shape of a piece of bread. And while you pop bread into a toaster, you insert diskettes into your computer's diskette drive. In fact, you'll find that some software even acts much like the common toaster. These programs fea
USB for Power/Charge (Score:2)
Re:USB for Power/Charge (Score:2)
My PDA is an HP iPAQ, with a proprietary power cable. I can charge it with USB but I still need a proprietary cable! My cell phone is a Samsung t809, with its own proprietary power cable (that no Samsung that I know of shares with it). Another proprietary cable. My GPS also uses a proprietary cable. I have no idea why these devices don't standardize on mini-USB (or is it micro-USB?) tha tmost cell phones use, there is more than enough pins to cover anything.
Re:USB for Power/Charge (Score:2)
I thought Radio Shack was marketing some kind of "all in one charging solution" for this. I'm pretty sure I saw it advertized in airports two years ago. But I think it may have required purchasing a separate attachment for each unique cord, so maybe you've already looked at it and concluded it didn't meet your needs.
Don't forget to bring a towel (Score:2)
-- n
I like my dell backpack (Score:2)
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.
It's got 7+ different pockets/containers to put stuff. I've found that it works wonderfully!
Here's what I use.... (Score:1)
After several years of trial and error and looking at bags, I found these:
http://www.booqbags.com/index.html [booqbags.com]
I have the Python XM System with the 17" Powerbook sleeve. Everything fits perfectly in the bag, including laptop, AC adapter, assorted console cables to connect to my servers, file folders, webcam, you name it. The laptop sits a padded compartment separate from all the other items
Re:Here's what I use.... (Score:2)
thanks,
kashani
Jack of all trade bags (Score:1)
always prepared (Score:1)
Right cargo pocket: Backup cheapo Samsung generic cell phone
Bag 1: Dell Inspiron 7500 (P3-750) dual booting Win2k and Linux with Cisco Aironet 352 802.11 DS card, Toshiba Portege 2000 (P3-750) on WinXP
Bag 2: IBM Thinkpad 380XD (P233MMX) on Debian with Cisco Aironet 352 802.11 DS card
Right ear: Motorola HS-850 bluetooth headset associated
Custom made (Score:2)
It's not crazy, I've done similar things.
Bag for laptop + SLR? (Score:2)
Re:Bag for laptop + SLR? (Score:2)
I just bought one of their Tropolis 1250 backpacks, and they're extremely nice. LowePro has always made good camera bags.
Re:Bag for laptop + SLR? (Score:1)
Re:Bag for laptop + SLR? (Score:1)
Re:Bag for laptop + SLR? (Score:2)
Decent bag for the tech gear (Score:2)
The two main compartments each have sub-compartments, including a laptop section with foamy padding. There's a decent sized pocket on the front (in which I store my iPod and PDA), two on the sides (good for a
hmm, this is invented already... (Score:1)
Re:hmm, this is invented already... (Score:1)
The backpack is probably the best choice, most techiesh use it instead of anything else, last year I met Larry Lessig at an event here, and he was also using backpack, as was RMS and
crumpler (Score:1)
http://www.crumpler.com.au/home.php [crumpler.com.au]
Spire (Score:1)
http://www.spireusa.com/ [spireusa.com]
They're great for use, and abuse. I've rolled over it several times rollerblading, with the laptop still on, and so on. Never any problems. I've had mine for 3-4 years now, and while it is showing slight wear, it seems to be good for another 3-4 years without a problem.
You should peek around their site, and pay attention to the details, like the laptop room not being all the way against your back, so it's a very comfortable fit.
Use low-tech equipment (Score:2)
I use pen and paper for a large part of my job: Notes, ideas, tracking working hours, appointments. No cables, no empty batteries, no chargers, weights less than a PDA and can be bent without loss of data. What else does a PDA offer? A calculator - also offered by my cell phone, and my brain can also shuffle around some numbers. A phone book? In my cell phone, and more convienient. E-Mail addresses? On my laptop. "Pocket Office"? A full-featured office package runs on my laptop. MP3 player? On my laptop. Pe
Spire bags - Rough, tough, intelligent (Score:1)
These bags are so tough I was afraid the company was going out of business, they can't have that much of repeat buys that way. Really recommended. They have *huge* bags too.
Modify a nasty canvas satchel or military daysack (Score:2)
billingham bag. also, too much stuff! (Score:2)
Come on. 12" powerbook and a phone (which can also be gps and pda, if you like). What else do you need?
As for the bag, if you want to carry a load of fragile equipment in comfort and safety, ask a photojournalist. They've always had to do it, and to my mind the best equipment bag you can buy is a billingham [billingham.co.uk]. You could fit everything in a Hadley [billingham.co.uk] and not even look like a geek*, or add an SLR and some clothes and it'll still fit in a 445 [billingham.co.uk]. Mine is over 20 years old and only just broken in.
*If that's a
Came free with my Radeon (Score:2)
http://www.powercolor.com/main_product_dis.asp [powercolor.com]
It's the "Assassin edition" some way down the page. The backpack is THE best laptop bag I have ever had.. it has a little soft pocket with velcro strap for the laptop, and plenty of space for my scanner (Canon N650U) and graphics tablet also (Wacom Graphire 3), document pockets in back, straps, shoulder straps, top handle, in the front are 4 pockets which fit my IRIVER player, digital camera, mobile phone, all my cha
James Bond style (Score:2)
Gah, and I was even gonna buy one and it's just out of my memory. Anyone?
My soluution (Score:2)
One day I was in the grocery store and stumbled across the solution. This particular store had an area where they sold odd-ball stuff that you d
Fight-or-Flight for Daily Life (Score:1)
http://www.maxpedition.com/ [maxpedition.com]
I personally have the MPB (MultiPurpose Bag) and it has served me well carrying my various electronic equipment for nine months of business travel in 13 countries.
http://maxpedition.com/product/product_mpb.htm [maxpedition.com]
depends on what you want ? (Score:2)
check out laptopessentials UK store [laptopessentials.co.uk]
regards
John Jones
Kensington! (Score:2)
When I travel, I can easily fit two laptops, a multitude of chargers, cell phones, cables (including 25ft cat5), a mouse, a soda, camera, and some snacks. Easily, I can bring it to a weight that c
Re:Kensington! (Score:2)
Tom Bihn (Score:2)
Tom Bihn Super Ego [tombihn.com]
It holds my 17" Powerbook in a Brain Cell insert [tombihn.com], file folders, PDA, Cellphone, PDA (I know, I should just get a smart phone), and iPod with room for 4 large O'Reilly books to boot.
He also makes some smaller ones that might better fir your needs. And backbacks if you want to avoid medical problems hauling all that stuff around
Timbuk2 (Score:1)
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/bagbuilder.htm/ [timbuk2.com] (Warning Flash Ahead)
My Setup:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?cate goryId=6&skusetId=85/ [timbuk2.com]
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?cate goryId=35/ [timbuk2.com]
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?cate goryId=35/ [timbuk2.com]
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/retail/catalog.htm?cate goryId=15/ [timbuk2.com]
Save space by coiling your cords (Score:1)
http://www.videos.sailingcourse.com/coiling_lines
Case with Wheels (Score:2)
Use a Tool Bag for your Tools (Score:2)
Also check out the Port Authority 2 [cablestogo.com] cable kit. It's bit flimsy on build but for occasional use it works and takes the place of many other cables. I gave these as gifts to my clients for christmas. Shop around. Also, charge your phone and stuff over USB to eliminate one more transformer.
Some p
Re:VNC or Remote desktop (Score:2)
I've not considered this before, but if there was an authentication scheme for VNC using a unique key on a USB drive, plus a password, then even if there's a keylogger on the computer you're using VNC on, it won't be able to connec
Re:VNC or Remote desktop (Score:2)
Re:VNC or Remote desktop (Score:2)
Re:VNC or Remote desktop (Score:1)
Re:VNC or Remote desktop (Score:2)
Re:Day Timer? (Score:2)
Actually, I converted my Day-Timer to an uber-PostIt/mega-notepad. My PDA is great for leaving notes to myself, but terrible for leaving notes to someone else (in paper form). I am an appointment-afficionado [unanimocracy.com], and I write many thank-you notes and "Don't Forget" notes that I hand out as needed.
Re:Day Timer? (Score:2)
Re:If money is no object (Score:3, Insightful)
This might sound foolish, but I have, and am actively looking for someone to be my personal assistant. In the old days, businessmen took on younger entrepreneurs to mentor to in exchange for assistant services (don't read into that). From laundry to note-taking to writing thank-you cards, the assistant did a lot.
I looked into hiring a driver/assistant and realized that the cost (US$30,000 a year) would pay for itself quickl
Re:Too much redundant junk. (Score:3, Informative)
Very good question, and one that I have battled with for years. I was an original Newton MessagePad user with an old brick cell phone and a Compaq luggable (120V powered only).
Laptop: Perfect for handling my server, major e-mail tasks, long term scheduling, CAD, big spreadsheets and
Re:Too much redundant junk. (Score:1)
Re:Too much redundant junk. (Score:2)
In the first 4 months I had it, it paid for itself (sold news-worthy photos to local papers).
Aha! You don't believe in copyright, but you sold the copyright to your pictures to newspapers, and they now (presumably) assume monopolistic control over the rights to those pictures. Do you believe this is right?
(I don't believe it's necessarily wrong; I'm just checking to see if you've thought of it that way. :) )
Re:Too much redundant junk. (Score:2)
Re:Too much redundant junk. (Score:2)
Ah, okay! Cool!
Re:Just a Thought (Score:2)
A few weeks ago I found myself in New York with no notice. Tomorrow I might have to go to San Fran and I am not home right now. If I leave all my stuff at home, I'll be without a tool that could make me more cash on a job, or possibly cause me to lose out to some other freelancer.
I would LOVE to trash everything and just rent whatever I need, but it doesn't work very well. The more you
Well then... (Score:2)
Only the cellphone/pda and laptop in that whole laundry list of things could be truly considered "tools." The rest were redundant and/or unnecessary. I use one soft-sided leather briefcase that holds two cellphone/PDAs, my laptop, power cables, a handful of DVDs, a journal, a schetchbook and pencil set, my sunglasses, headphones, a digital camera, a half dozen PCMCIA cards
Re:Well then... (Score:2)
Off-topic, but important.
I run by business from a free-market capitalist perspective. I openly inform my customers of my high billing rate, and they know that I rarely work as many hours as I bid. But they also understand why I do this.
If I told you you would save US$11 in 8 hours if you paid me US$10 to do something for you, most people would jump on it. If I can save y
Re:Victorinox leather laptop cases are the way to (Score:2)
I'm going to order about 10 bags from the various comments in this thread, and keep one
I appreciate the link, it really looks amazing. I'd like some spandex expandability, though, how well does it hold together when stuffed or overstuffed?
Re:Victorinox leather laptop cases are the way to (Score:2)
Mine is the Web Messenger [luggagepros.com] - works well for a laptop up to ~15.5" (the GP's hammock comment is dead on), as well as some file folders, laptop accessories (charger, wireless mouse, etc.), headphones [headphone.com], and so on and so forth. I've had it for over 2.5 years and have yet to see any wear. T