I thought I would present a list of things that I consider essential for all TechWarriors. I thought I would also provide the “why” to the list as well. The list after the Break.
This list is a list of hardware. You will find these items near me at all times. Not all things are tech related, but belong because they are part of the TechWarrior mantra of being prepared.
- Laptop of some kind. Preferably 15“ max and able to be the main computer in the office.
- Bus Power portable Hard drive. Firewire 800 preferred.
- BlueTooth Mouse
- Digital point and shoot camera, with video capability
- Pens and Pencils
- Notebook
- Selection of USB Thumbdrives
- Multi-tool, usually packed in checked baggage
- mobile phone(smart or otherwise)
- Media player( may be in phone)
- Carry on bag called the TechWarrior Gear bag
- TechWarrior first aid kit(ointment has to be in checked bag when flying.)
Let’s start with the first item, a laptop. This needs to be whatever operating system you want. TechWarrior Central here in San Antonio, TX is a Macintosh shop, because I am doing a lot of unix/linux stuff and some of the best virtualization products seem to be made for the Macintosh. The laptop is for email, and playing media large scale, as well as working on any projects while on the road. The max size is 15”. While the 17“ machines might seem better, there are more cases and things for 15” machines. Do get the most power you can afford. Speed of processor > Size of RAM > size of Hard drive > video card.
A bus powered hard drive means that the hard drive uses the power from the USB or Firewire connection. That means no power brick to carry around. Get the largest you can afford and can carry around. Be sure to back it up on a regular basis.
I hate the track pad on most laptops, even the Macs. I carry around a blue tooth mouse so that I can have a full sized mouse. Right now I am using the Magic Mouse, and I like it a lot.
The first time that you can photograph something special, and you don’t have a point and shoot camera, will the last time you don’t carry one around. This camera is for that news worthy moment, or special thing that happened to you. Great for proving to the world that yes you caught one THIS BIG.
Pens and pencils, not the plural, and a notebook are low tech things that help me remember things. There are times when I cannot get my laptop out and I need to capture my thoughts. The notebook allows me to do this. Having more than one pen and mechanical pencil around gives you peace of mind as well.
I carry about three USB thumbdrives. These hold nothing pertinent right now, or they may hold set up files for my classes. Having a selection of these allows me to do three computers at a time, or to hand a file to a student who wants or needs a copy of that file.
I carry a leatherman, and it usually goes in my checked baggage when I fly. I wouldn’t call it a survival tool, but the moment I don’t have it I will absolutely need it. You could substitute a swiss army knife, but I like the pliers.
Mobile phone allows me to stay in touch with my customers, friends, and family. I never leave home without it.
Most of my media is now digital in nature. My media player is also a game machine, so I never leave home without it. Currently my media player is my phone, and that will change with the Apple iPad.
The TechWarrior gear bag is the bag that I carry all my gear in. This is usually a shoulder slung bag or a wheeled pull along. All my gear goes in here as well as my books for class.
In another post I described the TechWarrior First aid kit and what went in it. This kit goes with me everywhere I go. I made my own kit when I realized that there was a lot of fluff in those kits that you buy from pharmacies and the like. Some of those kits were like crash bags, and all I wanted was some pain relievers and an antiseptic ointment with band aids. So I made one. See that post for the complete details.
That’s the TechWarrior necessity guide. Remember to be prepared, and do good work.
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