Monday, January 16, 2012

A Peek inside my Gadget Bag

Travelling light should be part of my policy for Rootstech 2012 but I just can't help myself...

I found it interesting to read what the bloggers from Techcrunch packed for their excursions to the recent CES event in Las Vegas. I am impressed that blogger, Linda McCauley, is only travelling with her Android tablet and 'phone to Rootstech

As I ponder what I should take I am looking at my list for 2011 and deciding how to amend it. Here is what I planned to take with alterations and additions for 2012.

* Laptop and new battery - ordered and received last week. (I'm leaving my well travelled netbook at home)
I actually took the netbook but in 2012 will take my new laptop.  I have voice recognition software on the laptop and, with my lack of typing skills, will find this useful for blog posts. The laptop also seems to have more grunt to pick up free wifi signals.

* Small portable hard drive (to back up as I go)
Yes a new 1 terabyte model - last year's model doed not have enough storage.  

* Digital camera, SD cards, 2 batteries, charger and tiny tripod
 2 digital cameras for 2012 - I have a new 4/3 G3 Panasonic Lumix that takes great pix but the point and shoot is great to take everywhere. I will be appointing Mr Geniaus to take  photos for the blog while I attend sessions.

* 2 Thumb/Flash drives  (another backup option)
I can lighten the load here - I might just take one! 

* Mobile phone and charger
I will leave my Australian mobile at home. I'll transfer its SIM card to my Galaxy Tab.
I will also take my AT&T GoPhone for local calls while in the US. This is a cost-effective option for overseas visitors to the US.

* Power adapters so I can use US power outletsCan cut down on these as GoPhone and Laptop were purchased in the US. Will use netbook sleeve to store all of these.

* Pencil case with pencils, sharpener and pens
Yes
* Spiral bound notebook (If all else fails write it down)Yes
* Business cards Yes
* Fridge magnet (For putting on the drawers from which I remove microfilm)Yes

* Hot pink laptop bag (It will be easy to ID)Will put laptop in hot pink sleeve in cabin bag and leave laptop bag at home. Last year Rootstech gave us a computer bag and then I had two! Wish I knew what their plans are this year.

* I will be purchasing  a Flip-Pal mobile scanner at the conference.I bought the Flip-Pal but will be leaving it at home. I can use camera or Galaxy Tab with CamScanner to collect images from the FH.

* I might purchase a Galaxy Tab (if the price is right) while there. They are around half the Australian price in the US but I won't have an Australian warranty - should I take a gamble?
Purchased in Australia post Rootstech. It will be travelling with me and in my handbag at all times. It will double as an ereader. I like to purchase travel guides in ebook format.
Do I need to purchase a mobile hotspot device?

* I will buy a prepaid SIM card for my 3G Smartphone when I arrive so that I have internet access.
Not taking the phone.

In addition I will be adding taking my US GPS device - it may avoid some heated discussions as we set off on a six week US adventure post Rootstech.

I just hope my carryon baggage is under the limit!

What is inside your gadget bag for Rootstech?

9 comments:

Linda McCauley said...

Thanks for the mention! Looking forward to seeing you in SLC.

leslielawson said...

I'll be traveling to RootsTech with my laptop, my camera, my phone, 2 jumpdrives. @Linda McCauley is a brave woman to travel so lite (or so much more experienced than I am)! See you there!

Linda McCauley said...

Leslie - I'll also have a couple of jump drives and a camera or 2 (definitely a Canon Rebel, maybe also a small pocket camera). Look forward to meeting you.

McGenealogist said...

Many of the things on your list are similar to mine, I'm even getting a new battery for the Dell. I hope our paths cross at RootsTech.

Anonymous said...

Good techno-tips for any FH travel..reads a lot like mine. love my flip-pal and it's lightweight but if I take a small suitcase it never makes the cut.

Anonymous said...

I've also been using a digital micro-recorder for those on-the-run notes and reminders. A downloadable app foR the Galaxy?

GeniAus said...

Pauleen - you've reminded me of two other toys I might squeeze in - My digital voice recorder and my little Bloggie video camera. The voice recorder app on my Galaxy Tab works well but I can equip Mr Geniaus with the voice recorder to record sessions I send him to.

GeniAus said...

Pauleen - you've reminded me of two other toys I might squeeze in - My digital voice recorder and my little Bloggie video camera. The voice recorder app on my Galaxy Tab works well but I can equip Mr Geniaus with the voice recorder to record sessions I send him to.

Julie Goucher said...

Well, I am just catching up on my reading. You were organised for your trip. I have just started to think about what I can take....a blog post coming up shortly!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...