2 months of Digitial RV’ing - Best Digital Devices for my travels
Today marks 2 months since I began full-timing as a “well connected” RV’er. With a few months in now, the big question of “What’s been working?”, comes to mind.
Therefore I’ll give you the top list of what’s been used, not used, acts as a paper weight, or I wouldn’t leave behind for anything.
Items you couldn’t pry away from me….
- My Mac Laptop: For other folks building their Digital RV, you can use a Windows too. But my laptop has been my primary mode of communications, entertainment, work, new source, and more.
- Kyocera KR1 & Verizon Wireless Card: Put these two together, because they work hand in hand. Not my number one item, as I could find other ways to connect to the internet if push came to shove. So the laptop beats them out.
- Verizon Wireless Cell Phone: Pretty straight forward here. This is my only phone now….
- Garmin 2610 GPS: This thing has been super while traveling, and in new towns. I’ve found groceries, laundry mats, and Rich Luhr, all with this device!
- LaCie’s 100GB FireWire / UBS 2.0 Drive: This drive is FireWire or USB powered. No additional power source beyond your computer. That’s a huge plus. My Lacie stores my media files (entertainment), photography (your entertainment), business documents, etc.
- Canon SD550: This is my little pocket sized camera. If you’ve been following my personal journal, you know that I supply a great number of photos. The Canon has been fantastic for photos and short video clips!
- Mobile Mate SD Card Reader: This little card reader was featured in a previous post here. It’s used every day, and is ultra convinient!
- IPod: For both travel days, and rest days, the IPod is super. Been listening to tons of music as I travel, and then background music in the trailer as I type. The IPod has now passed my XM on daily usage time.
- XM Radio: The XM has been quieter lately. When I’m driving it’s on often (after the IPod), but getting to camping locations I don’t use it as much. Too busy meeting new people, talking tech, selling a few books, etc. When I want my news though, the XM is my first choice!
- IGo 130: This is my little portable power supply. It rocks. Recharges my Mac, Windows PC, IPod. I need more adapters for it to cover my phone and a few other items.
There’s my top 8 items. Basically, these devices are used every day, often! That’s the hallmark of a good product / digital device in your RV. How often do you use it. Once a day, sounds pretty necessary. Once a week, does it really need to come along? Good question.
Less used items that I’ll still keep with me
- Elgato EyeTV EZ: I haven’t been watching TV every day, so the EyeTV hasn’t been getting exercised enough. It’s nice though, not constantly viewing TV. While I might be super “connected”, at least I’m not watching a screen the second I come into the trailer (except when I’m typing).
- Canon Printer: My printer sits stored away the bulk of the time. However, I need it to print out business documents, letters, etc. I wish I had a smaller one, but I’m unwilling to spend several hundred dollars on an ultra portable one that only gets used once or twice a week.
That’s it for the top device list today. And for the “not so top” list as well. Basically, my digital devices have indeed helped enhance my RV living so far. I expect that they will continue to as well.
Good list Rich. Now, shouldn’t a digital guy be able to count to 10?
Might be better to stick to 0’s and 1’s.
Comment on May 11, 2006 @ 12:25 pm
Mike,
You gave me a huge laugh. I made some changes to the list this morning. Initially I had 8 items. Then I updated, saw the number 8, told myself to change it, and then hit publish!
Guess I’ll leave the 8 there just for grins!
Comment on May 11, 2006 @ 2:18 pm
Rich,
You mention the IGo 130 for recharging. How about an inverter for recharging the Mac? Also, our son just gave me an iPod Hi-Fi so it would be nice to have an inverter for that too rather than carrying around 6 D-cell batteries or relying on electrical hookups. I have a 400-watt inverter in my VW, but wonder is something smaller would be satisfactory for the Mac and Hi-Fi AC needs. I’ve seen little ones that plug into the 12 volt DC that are rated at about 140 watts and cost only about $30. 140 watts is more than enough to recharge the Mac laptop I’m pretty sure but the question is whether it will work with the Hi-Fi for which I have not found any power specs. Sorry about the rambling note, but you get the idea.
Comment on June 6, 2006 @ 11:23 am