JDPFu.com 2025

Technology and Travel – what to take?

In General, you want these items

1. Cell phone – GSM with a replaceable SIM card, data plan
2. Portable camera – be certain the memory is compatible with other devices and have an extra battery
3. Portable computer – I use a Nokia N800
   1. encrypted personal files; encryption software with plausible deniability
   2. Skype
   3. email
   4. web browser
   5. any specialized software you need
4. Portable keyboard (if not built in)
5. MP3/Video player
6. GPS or other Mapping device + a simple compass
7. Method to connect the computer, camera, keyboard, MP3 player and to the Internet
   • Bluetooth
   • Cables
   • WiFi Travel Router
8. Chargers – use USB when possible and have the widest voltage, current, wattage support. 100V-240V and 50Hz-60Hz; basically, it is just a plug compatibility issue and no transformer is needed
9. Sound isolation headphones
10. USB thumb drive with encrypted files
    1. Passport images
    2. Personal contact list(s) Family, Work, Friends (also carry a paper version)

My specifics

1. Cheapo Motorola V195 w/ Bluetooth and data
2. SONY DSC-55W camera w/ USB connector cable and USB—>miniUSB converter (my next camera will use SDHC memory that is compatible with the N800)
3. Nokia N800 Internet Tablet (N810 includes GPS and Keyboard)
4. iGo Bluetooth Keyboard
5. Zen Vision:M MP3/MP4 player (N800 can easily perform this task now)
6. Mapping software, Maemo Mapper, is built into the N800 (no GPS)
7. Compass is on my whistle/flashlight/mirror/magnifying glass device
8. SONY has a proprietary charger for their camera battery, but the camera takes 300+ photos between charges. That’s usually a few days for most people. For me, that’s 1 day at most. Bring an extra battery that is charged!
9. Cellphone and MP3 player share a USB charger
10. Nokia N800 has a proprietary charger, but has long battery life with nominal use – 2+ days.
11. D-Link Travel WiFi Router since some hotels only provide wired ethernet

Test it all BEFORE you leave AND make a written packing checklist

Go to a friends home with all the stuff your plan to take, take a photo, transfer it to the computer, upload it to your server back home. Next, write a blog entry. Did it all work?

There’s nothing worse than getting to a location and finding out that you can’t transfer videos because you don’t have a cable or connector or way to connect to the internet. The N800 only supports WiFi or Bluetooth network connections, not an RJ45 cable. Some hotels don’t have wifi yet, but do have wired Internet connections. I’d be SOL in that case.