I’ve written three posts on this subject so far, each one discussing things specifically, and I’ve decided to revisit the subject today.
First off regarding charging: I have been made aware of some different charging solutions that parts of the previous entries irrelevant.
The push to USB-C for most new things is excellent progress, and for the handful of legacy devices I have, an adapter can be used to convert one of the USB-C cables to that.
The list of potential devices to be charged is as follows:
1. iPhone SE (2nd gen) – I recently had my phone’s battery replaced, so I will be good for a while with this. It uses Lightning but also has Qi wireless charging.
2. AirPods – These may be replaced soon as these are getting a bit long in the tooth. The charging case uses Lighting but is also Qi wireless charging compatible.
3. Apple Watch Series 6 – I might be replacing this in the near future. It has its proprietary charging cable, which I have a USB-C version of now.
4. MacBook Pro 14″ – This is my target new laptop. Probably will be picking this up by the end of this year or early next year. It needs 70W of USB-C charging via MagSafe 3 or USB-C direct.
5. Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro – I switched to this wireless headset to make working from home significantly easier, and this one includes Bluetooth as a secondary connection method. It charges via USB-C when not using its included base station. It also has a 3.5mm audio cable that can be used as needed.
6. NETGEAR MR5200 5G Hotspot – this is the Internet source for hotel rooms. Charges/powered by USB-C.
7. openSPOT 3 – for amateur radio digital voice modes. Charges via USB-C.
8. USB battery banks (x2) – These charge via micro USB, so a simple adapter is an option. I’ve also debated replacing these with equivalent USB-C versions, which I’ll probably do at some point in the future.
9. Digital voice-equipped ham radio handheld – I keep tossing around which to use between the AnyTone DMR radio I have or my Kenwood TH-D74. I probably need to spend more time in the AnyTone’s configuration and start with an empty codeplug and set it up first strictly for APRS then go from there. The AnyTone’s battery has a USB-C charging port, plus it tends to have better self-discharge capability.
10. Panasonic Eneloop charger – this plugs into a wall socket to keep the Eneloop AAs my MiniDisc player uses or the Eneloop AAAs my concert lighting sticks use charged. This charger has automatic 100-240V 50/60Hz selection, so I’d just need a plug adapter for it if in a country that doesn’t use Type A or B AC power outlets.
11. 8BitDo Pro 2 gamepad – charges over USB-C or can operate off 2 AAs if need be.
12. Logitech MX Anywhere 2 mouse – as this uses Micro-USB for charging, I’m likely going to look into replacing this with the MX Anywhere 3S (or current equivalent) as the newer model uses USB-C instead.
13. LoRa Mesh board – I’ve been using MeshCore locally for off-grid comms and it’s pretty interesting. The board I have charges via USB-C.
That’s about it for charging… Obviously multi-pad wireless chargers specifically for an iPhone/AirPods/Apple Watch trio exist, so that might be the play for those even after I upgrade to a USB-C equipped iPhone and AirPods. The big outlier is the Eneloop charger: until I renew my passport I’m basically stuck to the US and Canada, both of which use the same type of AC power, so I’m good there. If I start traveling elsewhere I’ll get a second plug adapter.
I think I should focus less on “one bag” and more on “carry-on only unless absolutely required”. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve taken a few business trips over the last 8 or so years where I had to pack tools for installs, so for those I had to check a bag. My current role likely won’t have a tools-required trip any time soon, so I think it’s an accomplishable goal.
Obviously the focus on this is for travel via plane, bus, train, or boat because using my car or a rented larger vehicle like a van or U-Haul would afford more space, especially if solo.
Most of the times I attended Anime Weekend Atlanta I was using my own (or a rented) car I had at least one other person with me, so I couldn’t go too crazy with space usage. I also took a trip with friends to Hilton Head Island soon after I got my current car, and we somehow got everything wedged into the car. I admittedly brought far less than usual personally, eschewing a laptop for once on this trip.
We’re getting a little off track: I likely will utilize a 2-to-3 bag (bear with me here) setup. The primary bag will be a backpack with clothes and storage for the majority of the tech while in transit, and the secondary will be a smaller bag for essentials and tech carry while in transit as well as a tech carry once arrived. The theoretical third will be a smaller bag to act as an EDC “purse”. I already have something that would work for that third bag, but I might look into something different for that. Ideally this could fit in the secondary bag while in transit.
I think we’ve covered almost everything at this point. Whether or not I’ll invest in the necessary items to complete this setup is anyone’s guess. Gas prices are scary right now, and the majority of the US isn’t exactly kind to folks like me, so for now I’m staying where I am.
Until next time!