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Your notebook bag is the most powerful set of information tools you can carry. Having a notebook enables you to do information work wherever you are with whoever you meet. A fully configured notebook bag gives you a powerful set of computing capabilities.
Notebook Computing
The fastest computer in the world is the one you have with you.
2005 was called "The Year of the Notebook" because notebook sales outsold desktops and televisions. A notebook computer is an essential tool of modern life, and even moreso for doers.
DOSPEC Notebook: MacBook
The recommended doer notebook is the MacBook Pro 15" if you can afford it or the MacBook 13" to reduce cost and size. MacBooks are cross-platform machines capable of running Mac OS X, Windows and Linux by rebooting or at the same time using Parrallels and VMWare. This gives you the widest possible selection of software on a quality hardware platform with the highest reliability.
Matte Screens For Clarity And Outdoor Visibility
Choose a matte screen instead of glossy on MacBook Pros. The screen is
readable in direct sunlight.
Laptop Shade
($30): Install only once, then open/close in seconds, Attaches to your
lid with hook & loop fasteners, Universal size fits 10-17 inch
laptops (9 to 16-1/2 in. wide), Fits virtually all laptops, Swings
open/closed while remaining attached to your lid, Made of ultra-light,
durable polyethylene material, So thin your laptop still fits inside
its case, Forms a 9-inch deep viewing tunnel to reduce glare, Unique,
patented design provides true convenience
Field Expedient Notebooks: iBooks, PowerBooks & Non-Macs If you must work with an older Mac or a Windows-only notebook, you can still make what you have do what most of what you need. Older notebooks can still prove useful for many tasks, and there are Windows equivalents for many crucial Mac applications.
The US Government mandates notebook security and you should pay careful attention to the security of your notebooks too to prevent and deal with theft and insecurity.
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Notebook BagThere are several bag options for notebook computers:
- OICW (Objective Individual Computer Wearable): A bag that secures the notebook while hanging down and operating in a standing position, typing against your chest with the screen facing upwards. It must be custom-fit. This would allow an operator to conduct robust knowledge work while on the move during operations at events. Even better would be to have a ruggedized version with sealant against elements for environments like Burning Man.
- Foldopen bags: Operable inside the bag as a minimalist desk surface. Cloth bags expand to hold more files. Foldopen bags are the most popular style in use today.
- A good bag should have a front pocket, a padded notebook compartment and an expanding file pocket with dividers. Kits and accessories go on the outside with binders sliipping smoothly into the inside dividers. Avoid overloading a weak velcro pocket as those are notorious for dumping everything on the ground.
- Top-Loader bags: Top-loaders avoid side drops but you can't operate the computer from inside the bag in a pinch.
- Backpacks: Lower profile, more versatile.
- Sleeves Inside Backpacks: Minimalist. Limited protection.
- Radtech Omni LG: in-case use, port access, ventilating raisers, Retention straps, letter-size document pouch, protective padding, 38 x 31.0 x 4.0cm, .68kg, $45 eBag ships free
- Aluminum Harcases: Expensive but extremely durable.
- [[FieldCase]] with integrated CamelBak hydration system.
Notebook Kit Contents
- Minimum
- Notebook Computer
- Notebook Charger
- Media Kit
- Bindering kit with Idea Cards and recruiting kit
- Pens: 3-5 pens and pencils for sharing at meetings. Buy cheap pens by the bag and consider them disposable as they will be lost.
- Sharpie Permanent Marker for disc labeling
- Binder for Bindering
- Cards
- Minispindle with Blank DVDs & CDs and DVD movies and Distro discs. Paper sleeves for giving out discs. Label the disc itself, not the case.
- Carry as many blank DVDs and CDs as you can fit in addition to whatever data you carry.
- Keep a DVD-RW backup of your essential files. Make sure your essential files are clearly marked for this if you have more files than that.
- [[Office Supplies]] including Red Swingline Tot Mini Stapler W/Staple Remover, Staples 2-12 20 Lb pages, 0.14 Lb $2.05] Swingline Specs
- Power Bag
- Cell Phone Charger
- Car Charger 110V AC Outlet (Don't get specialized car chargers for each device)
- [[Mobile Storage]] such as a 100GB 2.5" USB/Firewire Drive
- 10' Power Extension Cord, black
- 2 to 3 Prong Power Adapter
- Cables Bag
- 10' Network Cable (Cat5 Ethernet)
- 6-6 pin Firewire Cable
- 4-6 pin Mini Firewire Cable
- Mini USB Cable
- AV cable Kit
- Minijack to Minijack Patch Cable
- Stereo Headphone Splitter Adapter
- Notebook Computer Security Lock Loop: If you are using your computer in an event where you must leave it unattended, lock it up.
- Kensington Cable Lock: Locking increases the security of your equipment. Choose something solid to lock to or they might just cut through the anchor to get at the notebook. COST: $8 Froogle Advanced locks have motion sensors.
A kit of essential audio and video cables to carry in every 2nd line worn notebook bag.
Mobile Software Library
Your software library should contain installation discs for your software and backups of your data. Keep current OS discs in case you need to reinstall or troubleshoot in the field.
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Notebook Cable Bag