When I pack my laptop bag for a day of meetings around town or a trip across the country, there are essential items I know from experience to keep on hand. These tools will keep your gear charged, get you connected to the Internet and let you work effectively, even in sub-optimal conditions.
Kensington AbsolutePower all-in-one charger
Reduce your travel weight with one power brick that can serve the needs of your laptop, phone and tablet — or any other device that charges via USB. The 100 watts of power provide enough juice for all your devices simultaneously, and the charger’s 2.1-Amp USB ports ensure even high-drain devices like the iPad will charge properly. Price: $119.99 on Kensington.com
Revolve Electronics xeMini Plus cell phone charger
If you’re worried about becoming stranded without a phone, Revolve Electronics xeMini Plus provides approximately 6.5 hours of additional talk time from its 2200mAh battery. Most chargers are rated at 1150mAh (about three additional hours) or 1800mAh (about four additional hours). In addition to charging via USB, the xeMini Plus has a built-in solar panel to help keep it charged. Price: $73 on Amazon.com
Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse
I’m always forgetting to turn off my cordless mouse when I throw it in my laptop bag, but I never forget with the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse. The simple act of bending it flat turns it off, and bending it back into a curve turns it on. Price: $59.95 on Amazon.com
Klipsch Image S4i earphones
Very good sound at an affordable price make the Klipsch Image S4i headphones stand out. And because of their in-ear design, they naturally filter out ambient noise while traveling. The earphones come with a carrying case and three different-sized tips to ensure a proper fit. Price: $99.99 on Klipsch.com
T-Mobile 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
Create your own mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices when you’re on the go. This model from T-Mobile runs on their speedy HSPA+ 4G network and is available without a contract for $129.99 on t-mobile.com. You can then buy Prepaid Mobile Broadband Passes. $10 buys 100 MB of data usage to be used over seven days; $30 provides 30 days access and 1 GB of data.
Tripp Lite Retractable Ethernet cable
Many hotels still don't offer wireless Internet, and some charge a rental fee for providing the Ethernet cable. So you’ll want your own Ethernet cable stashed in your bag just in case. This four-foot cable has the advantage of retracting into a small case to keep it tangle free. Price: $9.77 on Amazon.com
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