10:52 PM
Keith Courtney
Everyone has a little geek in them, right?! You probably do not realize it; but if you have a gadget or piece of technology that you can't live without, you fall into this category to some extent. Here are the top gadgets and items that I use on a regular basis and find to be necessities. I have included links and videos where possible even though most everything can be ordered from Amazon.
The Bag
The choice of bag makes or breaks the entire experience! I am personally a tad bit obsessive compulsive over it. I admittedly have over 10 laptop/messenger/backpack bags, but only a small few really grab my attention. Majority of the time, I use the Command Messenger bag by Timbuk2 (video). This bag is large enough to hold everything I need when I travel and still be manageable. When you have as many as 2-4 flights per week, the TSA approved laptop feature is a must. I also use the Monsoon Gearslinger bag by Maxpedition (video) as a commuter bag or backpack. This style of bag is perfect for hiking, camping, or tactical use; however, it also works great for carrying around the city or anything else you can imagine. This also happens to be a pack used by Jack Bauer in 24. (nuff said, right?!)There are tons of other options available to fit your need if neither of these are your style. I am also a fan of a few other bags even though I do not own them: Thule Crossover Sling Pack (video) or Crossover Backpack (video), The Bag of Holding, or any of the options available from Crumpler.
The Contents
I always try to travel around as light as possible, but you never know when you will need something. These items can almost always be found in my bag unless i'm feeling minimalistic or on a trip where everything is not necessary. Here is the quick list:
- Macbook Air
- iPad
- Samsung Focus S
- Bose - AE2 Headphones
- In-ear stereo buds
- Verizon Wireless MiFi 4G/3G Wi-Fi Hotspot 4510L
- Zoom Q3 HD Video/Audio Recorder
- Jawbone JAMBOX Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Speaker
- Jawbone ERA Bluetooth Headset
- Belkin Mini Surge Protector with Dual USB Charger
- BESTEK 150W DC/AC Car Power Inverter w/ USB
- Targus 4 Port Ultra Mini USB 2.0 Hub
- Neiko Super-Bright 9 LED Heavy-Duty Compact Aluminum Flashlight
- Targus Capacitative Touch Stylus
- Moleskine Ruled Soft Notebook
- Zebra F-701 Pen
- Stereo 3.5mm (1/8") Y-Splitter
- 10" USB Cable Extender
- 4 Micro USB Cables (shortened thanks to Applecore)
- A few backup Flash Drives
My Keyring
In addition to any bag that I carry, I always have my keys close-at-hand. There are two staples that i think everyone should have on their keyring. - LaCie iamaKey Flash Drive - This incredibly durable drive is always accessible and comes in a variety of storage sizes. It has lasted numerous drops and even a few washes and still works like a charm. I can't think of a better way to keep the important stuff close by than to have one of these key-sized drives.
- TRUE Utility Cash Capsule - This weather sealed capsule can hold one bill for safe keeping and emergency situations. The tiny capsule is small enough that it’s doubtful anyone would notice it. If you have ever misplaced your wallet/purse or have been in a jam when only cash was accepted, this can be a life saver!
Highlights
Why did I choose the items above over others? Well, here are a few highlights on what helped lock in my purchasing decisions.
The best laptop purchase that I have ever made! I have used my current Macbook Air since it was first released in early 2008. The hinge has cracked once approximately 6-8 months ago, however, Apple replaced it for free. It has held up strong for 4 years as my primary machine! The fact that it is thin and lightweight has made it perfect for travel. I never recall having anything crash or lock up. It still runs just as fast as it did the day I purchased it and there have been no virus threats! While the Powerbook excels with hardware performance and editing capabilities, the Air has kept up well with my editing projects and needs as is.
I switched over from an iPhone to the Samsung Focus S running the new Windows OS, Windows Phone 7.5. If you're scratching your head and thinking to yourself "WHY?!", take a minute to breath and read on. The truth is that I find the iPhone OS boring and behind in both feature integration and hardware specs. I also find the Android OS to be annoying to use, battery consuming, and I can't get past the fragmentation issues regarding updates to the operating system. The new windows Metro UI is simple and the integrated features will make you hate, despise, and loath your current device. I have fallen in love with the social networking integration, productivity, gaming, 4G speeds (you would be surprised to know just how many people think that their iPhone 4 or 4s is 4G when it is not), and in short find myself immersed in everything about the phone. I have loaned out windows phone devices to friends and family only to see the same reactions from them as well. Regardless of what you might think, it doesn't crash or get viruses... Just try it, I promise you wont regret it. (video)
I do a good bit of video and production work from time to time and nothing is more annoying than HD video with crappy audio. Flip Video Cameras are great for daytime footage, but can be more than unflattering in low light and virtually impossible to hear if your more than two feet away. Thankfully, this little device has come along to bridge the gap. For a portable video recorder, you'll find the High Definition Video and Audio to be pretty impressive. A movie maker's trusty sidekick! (video)
Jawbone JAMBOX and ERA DevicesJawbone makes some sick pieces of hardware! SICK! Sure, it's a little on the expensive side, but know that it is absolutely worth every dime! Being field-based, I host and participate in multiple conference calls every week from restaurants and coffee shops to airports and car rides. The noise cancellation on the Jawbone bluetooth headsets is amazing. You would never really know the person on the phone could be in one of the loudest places on earth. They pair with practically any phone, multiple devices at once, and allow for voice commands if your phone supports them. (video)
The JAMBOX is a one-stop-shop that leaves any other iPod/MP3 speaker back in Kindergarten. A wireless Hi-Def speaker that carries an incredible low-end, built-in speakerphone, and shockingly battery lifespan is where it's at. (video)
While I am completely satisfied with the tech toys and gadgets that I have, the tech enthusiast inside me is always eager for more. If you have any techno-guru-gadgetry that you carry on-the-go, please feel free to share! For those enamored by what you've seen so far, happy shopping!
