This blog isn’t just about MoGo products, it’s also for those of us who do the mobile work thing. Travel a lot? Conference junkie? Your basic road warrior? Yep, us too. We love our gadgets and our laptops, but you know it’s a love-hate thing sometimes too isn’t it? Culled from our great minds, here are our top 10 things you should carry in your gear bag (besides the laptop) in no particular order…

1. A really good laptop bag. Okay you might think this is a no brainer, but a lot of people skimp on this road warrior essential. What kind of bag is right for you depends on you. Some folks like the ones on wheels. Others something more like a traditional briefcase. Me, I’m a messenger bag kind of guy. Regardless of what you choose it must have: good padding, pockets, pockets, pockets, comfortable and strong straps, room for other “stuff”, and a little extra space for last minute things.
2. Portable surge protector. While you try to work off battery, you do have to plug in sometime. The problem can be that the places you plug in might not have the best power around. I use the BC Ferries a lot and there are warnings about power surges about all outlets. I used to carry a little one outlet job that worked well, when I remembered it. Now I have a surge protector that straps onto the power brick of my laptop power cable and connects right to it. I don’t forget it because it’s always there, always on.
3. Outlet expander. Yes, you can carry a power strip to cover 2 & 3, but sometimes I like to just toss in a little three outlet expander into my bag (especially when I head to a conference). There is nothing better to win friends and influence people by not just using an outlet, but sharing too.
4. Cable Clamps. This is a brand name. These are like handcuffs for cables (no key). For me these are essential for keeping the cord insanity to a dull roar. The are simple, so simple. Just open, bundle your cord, and close. They are made of a durable hard plastic, come in three sizes, and can be used and reused.
5. Laptop lock. I didn’t invest in one of these for a while, but I’m glad I did. You know these babies, they have a hardened steel cable with a loop on one end and a lock on the other. Loop around some immovable object and put the lock into the slot on your laptop. I went for the combo lock version. I just didn’t want another key to have to keep track of.
6. Extra cables. I could bulk this list up naming each one, but I’ll save the fluff. I carry a USB cable that works with my Blackberry and my Digicam and an extendable Ethernet cable with coupler. That’s pretty much all I need, but I also have at the ready to toss into my bag (if I’m feeling rather McGyver-ish) phone cable with coupler and a retractable USB printer cable. Really what you’re going for is having the cables you need to connect and charge devices. Is longer better? For USB, I don’t think so, Ethernet, yeah.
7. Rechargeable batteries. I carry a few extras in my bag for my camera and anything else that needs them (like MP3 player). One tip is to secure them with a rubber band so they don’t bump into each other and discharge in your bag. The charger? If I’m going to a conference, yes. Day to day, no.
8. WiFi detector. I have a really simple one that just gives a presence (with strength) or absence indication. While it might not be giving you a ton of information, it does tell me if it’s worth turning your machine on.
9. Ear-bud headphones and small mic. Okay the mic might be optional for some, but I have one to do Skype calls and maybe to record a podcast on the road. The headphones are, however, essential. In a cafe or something having your sound on is rude, but you might still like to hear if your e-mail bings or listen to some tunes (to drown out everyone else).
10. Travel mouse. Yeah you’ve been waiting for this one haven’t you? Yes a travel mouse is important. Look trackpads are great, but for long-term use, they suck. I tried a travel mouse that ran on a couple AAA batteries and used RF to send signal. You know I don’t use it anymore. Why? I can’t get it to work. Okay that and it sucks batteries dry fast and was way too small. The MoGo Mouse uses Bluetooth to communicate, charges in your laptop, and is human-sized. And I can’t freakin’ wait to get mine!

Other stuff? I never leave home without my Blackberry. I have Gtalk, Gmail, and Google Maps on that baby (and yes an unlimited data plan). If your phone can take Google Maps, get it. The time you use it to find your way will be worth any data charges (I got lost in Toronto and used my Berry to find my way back to the hotel). I’m sure you can suggest some more stuff here.

I’m probably forgetting something so what’s in your core kit?

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 27th, 2007 at 10:03 am and is filed under Mobility tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.