Computer (accesssory) question

SapereAude

Registered
Joined
Jan 7, 2021
Messages
43
Reaction score
2
Location
Terra
Reading through threads here that seemed interesting, I have a sense that some members here write while traveling, or even travel to write. I hope some road warriors can give me some advice.

I have a notebook computer. (Two, in fact -- it's a long story.) With the computer, the power brick, a mouse and a couple of spare batteries, my portable cellular WiFi hotspot, and a small external USB hub, it's not light. I can carry it -- and I do -- but there are times when I might like to travel lighter if I'm not anticipating having to do serious work but still want to be able to fire up a machine if the muse comes calling.

I also have a Windows 10 tablet, which is a whole lot lighter and more portable than a full-size notebook computer. However, I can't deal with trying to do work using the on-screen virtual keyboard, so I have a Bluetooth mouse and a small Bluetooth keyboard. I have been looking for some sort of small computer carry bag/case that will fit these components so I can keep them all together and somewhat protected when I'm on the road.

Does anyone have any suggestions?
 

cmhbob

Did...did I do that?
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Sep 28, 2011
Messages
5,770
Reaction score
4,953
Location
Green Country
Website
www.bobmuellerwriter.com
I have what I call my go-bag that I bought several years ago. It's got plenty of room for stuff. I carry my diabetes emergency kit, daily meds, a spare charging battery, earbuds, and business cards - and that's just the little stuff. Inside the main body, I carry a Samsung Galaxy Tab S plus a 13-inch HP laptop (with charger brick). I've also got room for several notebooks. I did a blog post review (with affiliate links) here: http://www.bobmuellerwriter.com/review-5-11-tactical-rush-delivery-lima-messenger-bag/

The review is four years old but still holds true, I think.
 

ChaseJxyz

Writes 🏳️‍⚧️🌕🐺 and 🏳️‍⚧️🌕🐺 accessories
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 5, 2020
Messages
4,524
Reaction score
6,203
Location
The Rottenest City on the Pacific Coast
Website
www.chasej.xyz
Which Windows 10 tablet? Some can "snap on" to a keyboard so it's kinda like a laptop, while other ones can have a cover that has a keyboard built in. My ancient Samsung Galaxy Tab has a Logitech case/cover that has a built-in keyboard and it lets you "fold" the case so it's a stand. This is a really light/thin bluetooth keyboard, so if you like scissor/butterfly switches it's a good option, there's also this which has a trackpad built in.

Your best bet would be to get a nice laptop case (like the padded sleeve kind), which usually has pockets you can put some small things in, and then get a backpack/bag/purse/whatever that can fit the case. Go to your dollar store/daiso and get some zippered cloth pouches you can put things in, too. This is a great mouse, as it's little, cheap, runs forever on 1 battery, uses the unifying reciever (or mine does, at least), and there's giant bins of them at your local staples/office max/best buy, so if you lose it it's no big deal and you don't feel bad having it get jostled in your bag. I have a Jansport bookbag and it fits my work laptop + mouse + power brick + notebook + bunch of other random stuff no problem, though it makes people think I'm a high schooler, idk if that would be a problem for you lol.

Full disclosure: I may or may not have worked at That Company, so I might be biased towards their products, but they're legitimately good and there's a reason they're #1 in their category.
 

SapereAude

Registered
Joined
Jan 7, 2021
Messages
43
Reaction score
2
Location
Terra
Chase, I have two of those mice. But a tablet computer doesn't have a standard USB port, that's why I use a Bluetooth mouse (also from "that company"). I have multiple computer cases for standard size laptops -- I could use one of them, but the tablet kind of rattles around inside them. I was hoping there might be something a bit more tablet sized.
 

WeaselFire

Benefactor Member
Kind Benefactor
Super Member
Registered
Joined
May 17, 2012
Messages
3,539
Reaction score
429
Location
Floral City, FL
I have a couple of bags/backpacks from Victoronix, the Swiss Army people. I've had them for two decades or more, been tossed on planes, in wing baggage pods, banged around in Jeeps and other off-road vehicles and never had any issues with them or the contents. Not the cheapest, but over the years they have more than earned back their price.

Jeff
 
  • Like
Reactions: Introversion

TrinaM

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Apr 29, 2017
Messages
115
Reaction score
45
Location
Pacific NW US
Website
trinamalone.com
I get tired easily carrying a lot of weight. I've got a Samsung Note phone and an OLD fold-up portable keyboard, similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YWLJNPQ/?tag=absowrit-20

A friend gave me a tiny folding phone stand, like this:

I use the stylus or just touch instead of a mouse. The whole thing fits into my tiny purse.

I went to a write-in back before the pandemic and folks were wondering where my laptop was. As I opened up my kit and started unfolding things, they were shocked. It was very comfortable and I was productive. Since the phone IS the hotspot... I can set up anywhere.

Just for another thought.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cmhbob