Comments on: Help: We Need Tips to Lighten Our Load

By: Tyler

Tyler — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:01:04 +0000

iPhone with a 5mp camera, voice recorder, 3g connection and better battery life... Oh how I can't wait.

On beach in Mexico right now actually, on iPhone . :)

By: epc

epc — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:16:41 +0000

I rely on an iGo with tips for all of my devices and laptop (may not help with the MacBook though). Any devices I bring have to connect with either bluetooth or USB or else I don’t bring them. I used a Jabra JX10 headset which can pair with my laptop for use with Skype or voice dubbing and with my cell phone.

By: ralf schwartz, germany

ralf schwartz, germany — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:06:38 +0000

leaving the powerbook at the office when i travel helps a lot.
i just carry the ipod nano and the nokia communicator 9300. its keyboard is great for typing longer texts, which i later send via bluetooth to everywhere i want. you may go online to read mails. you write short notices. and phone, twitter, etc. you know.
thinking about buying the samsung instinct or the new communicator. love keyboards.

By: Keith Erskine

Keith Erskine — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:45:11 +0000

Stacy - I would check out the Reuters/Nokia kit that they're starting to deploy in the field: http://reutersmojo.com/2007/10/22/the-mobile-journalism-toolkit-contents/. It's got everything thing that you need including a keyboard for typing your posts. If you still need a laptop, maybe you and the other GigaOM team can share one. Buy an old Thinkpad on eBay and padlock it in the press room.

By: Dimitrios Matsoulis

Dimitrios Matsoulis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:26:34 +0000

For now merge camera and camcorder in one flash based device. In a few months’ time you might have a large choice of light devices (MID or UMPC) that could temporarily replace your laptom. Hang on to your cellphone and chose a really small model.
(link)

By: Digital Lifescapes

Digital Lifescapes — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:24:59 +0000

I use a Wi-Fi enabled Pocket PC with a folding keyboard — you’ll need good eyesight to view the small screen for extended periods of time, however. I leave my notebook computer at home.

By: BrotherMaynard

BrotherMaynard — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:04:17 +0000

iPhone…once they allow everything to be landscape (including their notes app), typing will be much easier.

By: Jason Rothbart

Jason Rothbart — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:00:08 +0000

One thing I do is try to get devices that can be recharged through a USB cable to my laptop. Then, all I need is a power cord for my laptop and I charge everything else using it as a hub.

By: Chuck Marshall

Chuck Marshall — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:45:55 +0000

Steve Paine (Chippy) over at UMPCPortal.com blogged about his kit for CEBIT ( (link) )

Lots less than you’ve got.

By: the rabbit

the rabbit — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:08:36 +0000

honestly, my thoughts are nokia n95 on at&t with 3g tethered to the macbook. why the n95? it packs 3g, video recording, audio recording, expandable storage (with 8gb loaded already), 5mp camera and others.

that way you can walk around, snap photos, do audio on the spot or video, and when ready go back to your lappie use the usb cord (only 2 cords needed all trip long) and upload your stuff, using marsedit and you are set.

that's my personal thoughts, hope that helps.

By: Niraj

Niraj — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:05:46 +0000

I was actually thinking the same thing this weekend as I packed my iPod, phone, and laptop, which required me to either bring chargers for all three devices or cables to interconnect them to charge and transfer data. We need some standardization…at least Bluetooth can partly eliminate cables for data transfer, but power is always an issue.

By: broadband fan

broadband fan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:07:20 +0000

oops…meant that for Stacey not OM…..

By: broadband_fan

broadband_fan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Om….

I don’t have any tips unfortunately. But I did want to share that I am preparing for the day when my grandchild asks me…”Granpa, you really had to lug a 4lb box and power supply everytime you traveled?”

By: rohit

rohit — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:44:13 +0000

“tape recorder” ? surely you jest ! seriously, though ‘instant-on’ reporting/blogging may be perceived to drive traffic, but does it boost engagement/time spent on site? roaming around CTIA for a couple of days with a berry or notepad alone, and then writing a high quality post or two brings less traffic to the posts? since there are no standard/interchangeable cords and feather-light laptops for a few years, i doubt anything short of changing work/type/blog habits lightens your load.