Lately we have noticed a mild problem. We have too much tech in our daily rotation. As we have mentioned, we are the Luddite of the Unplggd contributors yet we are carrying more tech everyday. First it was our iPad now its our camera, lenses, flash, iPad... the list goes one. We decided that there are three ways to attack this: first our bags, second leaving crap at home, and third getting newer lighter toys.
In the past we have advocated the usage of Timbuk2 bags for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are comfort and ability to cram alot of stuff into them. But this seems to be an untenable solution for the very style conscious or those who do not wish to carry to much stuff. Thus we decided to make a list of what we think are three solutions to gadget creep; AKA to much crap syndrome
- Get a bigger bag to hold it all. Thankfully we can still shove our growing mound of stuff into our messenger bag. But if you keep adding things, we suggest heading to Timbuk2 so that you can comfortably carry your gear.
This is an excellent stylish bag, but I don't think it would hold a massive amount of gear - Pare down your gear. No really... stop carrying so much. This is the route that we need to take. Why carry a MacBook and our iPad when it would be better to just carry an iPad? In addition, do we really need to lug all of our lenses around? Is hauling everything around and being prepared for every single tech contingency necessary? The Boy Scout in me does not think so and admittedly carrying so much cannot be good for ones back.
- Get lighter, smaller, faster stuff. This route we will undoubtedly not end up pursuing due to expense. It just promotes the carrying of more cool tech when in reality it is not necessary.
So Unplggd readers how have you dealt with the schlepping of more and more tech items everyday?
(Top image: flickr member ritcheyer licensed under Creative Commons)
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Carrying "too" much tech...?
Three memory cards??? If you think about a shot, and shoot like you have film, then you don't need three cards... or just get a bigger card. Also depending on what kind of shooter you are, you can shoot with a single small prime lens, I can shoot for days with a 20mm.
Bracken... They have been very lax with the editing this week. I think they need one. They need an editor to go through every post for grammar and spelling. If you look at my account I've had them a few times this week.
Also, they should befriend the Oxford comma
I fail to see what you are collectively bitching about grammatically.
Great gear. Great book by the way!
I have a Targus Zip_Thru Laptop Backpack designed for use when flying to avoid having to remove your laptop at security. It is very roomy with three separate compartments and a bonus fourth, if you use the space between the main compartment and the laptop holder. I can easily carry my macbook, work laptop, and assorted cables and manuals.
They are producing editorial content. If they are serious about journalism and writing, they should not be publishing these mistakes. Some of us who really like these pieces, and these blogs, expect higher standards. Also sometimes they are just funny. Like the panda who eats, shoots, and leaves.
Now if it's someone leaving a follow up comment thats cool, I'm not complaining about what you did to that verb, but it is their job to do better or fix it. And they fixed it so, cool. If they want to remove the correction comments that's cool also. I'm just trying to help make this better.
Blackberry and laptop. Camera if you really think you're going to need high res photos when you're out and about. Everything else that's pictured there can be done on a blackberry or a laptop.
You may not think that great bag pictured in your post would be sufficient...but I do! Where is it from?
I'm with kikimac, where is that bag from? I love it!
I'm always highly aware of robbers whenever I bring $1000+ worth of gadgets out on the street.
Therefore, I hardly ever do that. :)