Fresh back from our trip to Macworld, Katie and David talk all about traveling with your Mac. The duo talk about bags, power, accessories, backing up while on the road, security and more. Katie and David talk about all the gadgets that are in their travel bag and how they get work done when away from their home or office.
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Great show, folks! I forget how I first hear about the MPU podcast but I’ve spent the past week or two catching up since episode one.
Like Katie, I’m a big Brenthaven fan. I have a backpack case from them that I’ve been using for years now and it’s still in great shape.
I just heard the comments from last week. With regards to laptop tracking I’ve heard of this program but have yet to try it. It’s an open source utility to track a stolen laptop, does screen capture, etc: http://adeona.cs.washington.edu/
Again, thank you for the podcast. I’ve already been convinced to pick up Launchbar, 1Password and Text Expander (once I get my next laptop…I’m between Macs right now).
Thanks for the reminder about the Brenthaven warranty. I have a Brenthaven Metrolite backpack that I love, but one side of the handle has become unstitched so I need to get it repaired. Before the backpack, I used Brenthaven Eclipse sleeve which is very handy for putting into a messenger bag.
Like Katie, I bought extra laptop supplies, but I’ve set them up in my office so I have a second AC adaptor and the monitor adaptor there so I now just need to slide the computer into the sleeve and put that into my bag with my other things.
I’m enjoying listening to your podcasts! I wanted to let you know of a couple of other products I use that you didn’t mention I think are great for travelling with your mac:
1) BBP laptop bag:
I love this bag. It’s a “hybrid” that works as either a messenger or a backpack that rides low and comfortably on your back. It’s by far the most comfortable laptop bag I’ve carried.
2) Targus multi-outlet power adapter:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.aspx?sku=APS03US
This is great because it’s extremely small and portable, it has a little surge protector, and the 4 outlets are positioned in such a way as to allow you to plug in larger chargers without a problem. The power cable is also nicely designed at a 45 degree angle, so that it hangs downwards from the wall rather than sticking straight out. Very useful when you have a hard-to-reach power source that is wedged behind a piece of furniture.
3) Mike Gyver modified car/airline/wall travel adapter with magsafe:
This is awesome because Mike Gyver has figured out a way to modify his adapters so that they are able to actually CHARGE a Macbook Pro (85 watt) from a 60 watt power source (like a plane or car). If you’ve ever used the Apple-brand airline adapter, you’ll notice it won’t charge a MBP; on an overseas flight, your mac battery will slowly drain. But these work perfectly even on low voltage sources. I keep this always in my laptop bag so I can get power from car, plane, or wall from a single adapter.
I ordered the Kensington as a refurb, but it looks like he has a few other models now, including the iGo and Duracell.
4) Wacom Bamboo drawing pad:
I use this in place of a mouse. Folds flat, works anywhere, great for drawing and Photoshop work, and keeps you from getting carpal tunnel. I bought the cheapest one rather than the more expensive Intuos, because that way i don’t worry about it getting banged around when I travel.
(note: I tried to put links to all these products, but your spam filter told me I was being “spammy.”)