Managing your electronics while travelling

[Gigi]

Does anyone have any advice regarding managing electronic devices while travelling? I'm planning to bring my DSLR, P&S, cell phone, photobank, GPS and mini laptop (Asus eee) on an upcoming overseas trip and need a better way to figure out how to minimize all the bulk, especially from the chargers and adapters. I've been thinking of getting the IonHub, a multi-travel charger but I was wondering if any of you have other suggestions or solutions. Thanks.

[jerryhung]

I am curious too

but I don't think there is an easy way, I've always had to bring those with me as well
- P&S + charger
- DSLR + bag + tripod + flash + memory cards
- AA & AA Charger

- laptop + charger + USB Keys
- cell phone (mini USB charging off laptop would save you the charger)

I try to squeeze some into the same bags

[Kasakato]

I neatly roll up the cords/adapters and toss them into a large zip lock. If security wants to see something I simply take out the bag.

[mic2074]

well - if all your electronics can be charged through USB (I assume they should be able to)... then buy a USB hub for the lappie, and charge everything through that at night time all at once. That way you don't need to carry a charger for each toy, and just carry the usb cables and the lappy charger.

[Gigi]

well - if all your electronics can be charged through USB (I assume they should be able to)... then buy a USB hub for the lappie, and charge everything through that at night time all at once. That way you don't need to carry a charger for each toy, and just carry the usb cables and the lappy charger.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Only my cell phone would be able to charge via USB.

[GangStarr]

Well I suppose the following opinion wouldn't count if your travelling on business or driving but imo...

You don't need a laptop when travelling, even if it is tiny. Cut that...

Do you really need your photobank? Why not just buy some extra memory cards. They are pretty cheap and I think you'd have to be going on a pretty long trip to require a photobank.

GPS? Where are you going? Are you driving? A small free tourist map should do the trick for exploring cities.

[YLSF]

Consider also the iGO addapters.. THey had some on clearance at The Source CC a while ago (still may be some in different stores)... they have dual tip max though....

I use disposable batteries while traveling (i.e. aa/ aaa)... and a cheap MP3 player (2 gig philips from Costco) that uses aaa batteries.

[gmark2000]

If you take your EEEpc then you don't need your Photobank. It's either/or.

[GangStarr]

If you take your EEEpc then you don't need your Photobank. It's either/or.

Doesn't the EEE have like a 4 or 8 gig solid state HD?

I say cut both and buy extra memory cards or a portable HD.

[SENSEI]

Does anyone have any advice regarding managing electronic devices while travelling? I'm planning to bring my DSLR, P&S, cell phone, photobank, GPS and mini laptop (Asus eee) on an upcoming overseas trip and need a better way to figure out how to minimize all the bulk, especially from the chargers and adapters. I've been thinking of getting the IonHub, a multi-travel charger but I was wondering if any of you have other suggestions or solutions. Thanks.

I just cram it all into a photography backpack.
The only time you will have EVERYTHING with you, is on the way there and on the way back.

Other than that, the chargers will be left in the hotel, unless you're backpacking.

I've used both a Crumpler Whickey and Cox and a Lowepro Computrekker to carry much more than what you are describing.

Because it's a Asus EEE, you can get away with even something like a Nature Trekker AW and throwing the laptop into the front pocket.

I always carry a backpack onto the plane with all my electronics with on top of your list includes a PSP, 3-4 lenses, charger for AA....I just keep the camera in a toploading bag around my shoulder. As camera bag/purse doesn't count as a carry-on.

[dark169]

... As camera bag/purse doesn't count as a carry-on.

yes it does. Typical carry on rules are one bag and one personal item such as a purse,camera bag or brief case. Not two carry one items plus a purse.

I would question the need for the photobank, with the eee why not just upload pictures somewhere? Email them home or to your gmail account.

Get a P&S that uses the same battery as your DSLR.

Make suer you have the maps for your GPS, not all units come with the whole world loaded. I would question the need for the GPS but to each their own.

[SENSEI]

yes it does. Typical carry on rules are one bag and one personal item such as a purse,camera bag or brief case. Not two carry one items plus a purse.

I would question the need for the photobank, with the eee why not just upload pictures somewhere? Email them home or to your gmail account.

Get a P&S that uses the same battery as your DSLR.

Make suer you have the maps for your GPS, not all units come with the whole world loaded. I would question the need for the GPS but to each their own.

You are correct, what I meant to say was that your purse/camera dosen't count as your carry-on, but as a personal item. Thus you can bring a seperate camera bag (as long as it's shoulder slung in addition to a back pack or carry-on luggage)

[Gigi]

Thanks for the input, guys. Yeah, I'm questioning the need to bring everything...sigh...I always tend to overpack, and it's not just clothing! Based on my shooting habits and the length of time I'll be away (over a month), however, I do think I need to bring some sort of photo storage, whether it be the photobank or the eee plus portable hard drive. The GPS will be for 2 weeks of travel, which I suppose, will not be as critical.

[CoffeeAddict]

actually to me it doesn't sound like all that much bulk :P
I love carry ing gadgets around with me as long as they don't hinder me at all. Last time I was on vacation I took, one laptop, one creative zen:w, one P&S cam, one cellphone, and an ipod. I don't think it ended up being that much baggage overall actually.

I have an external pocket on my luggage that is pretty square so all the cables and chargers and what not go in there quite nicely. And all the gadgets I put into my bag.

Something like this could carry all your gadgets quite comfortably and they'd be protected as well:
http://products.lowepro.com/product/...AW,2048,20.htm

The only problem I see with carrying a laptop/camera bag is it screams "STEAL ME"

[GangStarr]

Thanks for the input, guys. Yeah, I'm questioning the need to bring everything...sigh...I always tend to overpack, and it's not just clothing! Based on my shooting habits and the length of time I'll be away (over a month), however, I do think I need to bring some sort of photo storage, whether it be the photobank or the eee plus portable hard drive. The GPS will be for 2 weeks of travel, which I suppose, will not be as critical.

I still say you don't need the photobank or the laptop. If your going to Europe you DON'T NEED A LAPTOP! I imagine its the same for most of Asia. There are internet cafes everywhere.

Just carry some extra memory cards...