This is a companion piece to our look at what execs carry in their go bags from the June/July/August issue. Below is my list of must-carries, in rough order of importance. I may not cart every item all the time, but for longer or more important trips I have all of the following with me.

A light laptop: The computer is the heaviest item you carry so buy a light one, if you can afford it. This year I have been impressed by two Lenovo models: the T410s and the X100e. For Mac people, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is mighty impressive.

The bag itself: Good bags are expensive but worth it if you carry a computer often. My personal fave is the Id from Tom Bihn. Read our full messenger bag review.

Cable lock: The execs interviewed didn’t mention locks but they all carry one. I prefer combination locks like this one because there is no key to lose.

Plug adapter: Not enough outlets in a coffee shop or airport lounge? A polite request and a $5 plug extender can fix that. Or for $25, this Belkin unit also gives you two USB plugs.

Slot mouse: Even notebook mice are bulky compared to MoGo units, which slide into the PC Card or ExpressCard slot on your notebook and charge from the computer’s battery. They weigh about 15 grams.

iPhone battery: If someone is bragging about his iPhone, ask about battery life. That will shut the person up. I am currently carrying the RichardSolo 1800 external iPhone battery, which comes with a dual-USB car charger and a wall charger. It even doubles as a laser pointer and a small flashlight.

Digital voice recorder: These are small and light and hold a ton of audio. For about $60 you can get at least 400 hours of recording time.

Digital video recorder: Flip’s UltraHD records two hours of high-res video and weighs 170 grams.

USB thumb drive: You can never have too many storage or backup options and at about $20 for an 8GB drive there’s no reason not to carry one.

A (paper) notebook: I am a big fan of online notes services like the excellent Evernote, but there are times when a paper and pen simply work better. (Sometimes you need to make a note quickly, and there are still settings in which the click-clack of computer keys is impolite.) Additional tip: carry three pens.

Presentation remote: Ever watch an exec give a speech during which she regularly walks back to a notebook to advance the presentation to the next slide? Do these people not know there are remotes made specifically for this function? I carry an old Belkin unit; a good comparison review can be found here.

GPS: I don’t carry a standalone GPS in my bag or car because I use Magellan’s RoadMate app on my iPhone, but I used to stash a small unit in my bag. I could use it in my car but in my bag it was also available when I left a hotel and then couldn’t remember how to get back.

A hidden DVD: I don’t know exactly what a DVD itself weighs—one online source states 16 grams—but they are light enough that you won’t notice the extra weight, so find one you want to watch and store it in the optical drive of your notebook. (Sorry netbook users.) It will be waiting the next time your flight is delayed.

Headphones: For weight, go with the standard set you got from Apple or RIM. For comfort and noise reduction, invest in a better set, such as the BH-905 from Nokia or Shure’s SE115s.

Network cable: I am always tempted to eject this five-foot cable from my bag, but occasionally I can plug in somewhere and get better speed than I would from a wireless signal.

Miscellany: Ibuprofen, two AA batteries, a couple of elastics, $20 in cash and—unless your bag is water-resistant—a plastic bag big enough to hold your laptop bag.

What did I miss? Send me a comment below.

What’s in my laptop bag?

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May 14, 2010 9:30 AM