Archives for July 2004

In my previous What’s in my Bag entry, I wrote about my golf clubs – this entry is about my gadgets.

The bag itself is a Brenthaven Mobility Backpack, purchased at The Apple Store in Peabody, MA. It’s a great backpack that safely carries my Apple Powerbook G4 and work related materials without a hitch. I used to use something more like a messenger bag, but when I purchased the Powerbook I wanted something more protective. And it’s far easier to carry than my old work bags were.

So, the gadgets:

• Apple Powerbook G4 – this is the 1.0ghz G4 with 100GB Hard Drive. I’ve upgraded it with 1GB of RAM. Used mostly for e-mail, web development, office applications and other work related goodies. Also have Citrix installed to access work applications like Outlook, etc. Unfortunately my employer is a 99% Microsoft shop, so many applications are a kludge to get to work properly.
• Apple iPod – I have the original 20GB Model – currently holding around 18.5GB of Music (3300+ Songs). All legal mind you. The iPod hangs in the car with me and goes in the back on trips.
• Compaq iPAQ 3850 – this is my PDA. It’s nearly three years old now and will likely be upgraded soon. I use Pocket Explorer to view information stored on my employer’s servers in Microsoft Exchange – such as tasks, contacts, calendar, notes, e-mail, and other goodies. My boss just snagged a new iPAQ with bluetooth and wi-fi and I will likely pick that one up soon
• FranklinCovey Planner – Doesn’t everyone use these? I just use some of the tabs and the snazzy planner binder. My calendar and organization all resides in Outlook and thus on my PDA. But I do carry around key information like financials, visit notes, succession planning charts, and so on.
• Sanyo SprintPCS 8100 – This has been my cell phone for the last year or so. My employer has a great contract with Sprint and this phone has been the best I’ve ever owned. I am a serious cell phone user, racking up around 2800 – 3200 minutes a month depending on what’s going on. The camera has come in handy in crisis situations in order to show folks elsewhere exactly what we’re dealing with. This phone now has a broken antenna and other problems. We now also have the option of using Nextel, and once the technological hurdles are fixed with e-mail, I’ll be getting Nextel Blackberry 7510.
• Qualcomm GSP-1600 Tri-Mode Satellite Phone – this is the newest addition to the bag, and only for a short while. It’s a Globalstar Satellite Phone – a little bulky, but could be invaluable in a major crisis situation.
• Crane’s Jotter Pad – mine is black, unlike the brown one featured in this picture. I use this on visits or other occasions when carrying around a big notepad is annoying. Awesome little tool.

Enjoy 😉