It's been a long while since my last post about the contents of the bag I use daily during the work week. Time for an update.
I bought a TimBuk2 messenger bag a few years ago for my commute to work. Up until a few months ago, I commuted to Trenton. I didn't need much space in the bag. I could leave a lot of things in my car and if I really needed something that wasn't' in my car, my home was a 20-30 minutes drive away.
In May I accepted a consulting assignment with a firm with offices in Manhattan and Metro Park, New Jersey. I was not given a permanent desk (or parking) but was expected to commute to the Wall Street area with the understanding that I could work from home two days a week and could work from the New Jersey location if/when a desk was available[^1]. I needed to pack everything that I might need for that day but I also need to keep things minimal.
The things I chose to carry in my bag are mostly what I think I need to get through the workday. Here’s the stuff that chooses to keep in the messenger bag.
- 10.5” iPad Pro with a Smart Keyboard — I use the iPad during the for catching up on emails, and updating my calendar. I can also track client time, do invoices and pay bills. I can't use the client's computers for this purpose as access to many web-based services is restricted. A fully iPad Pro battery can last me the whole day. The full-size Smart Keyboard connects to iPad Pro with the Smart Connector. It’s usable.
- Apple 12W 2A USB Power Adapter — My iPhone will most likely need a recharge before the end of the workday.
- Pentel Graph Gear 1000™ Mechanical Drafting Pencil and 0.9mm graphite refills — I’ve had this pencil for several years. I started using mechanical pencils in engineering school and the habit stuck. I like the weight of this in my hand. It’s what I use to take notes.
- Moleskine Squared Notebook — The Pentel and Moleskine are perfect together. Although I don’t draw circuit diagrams on square paper anymore this notebook makes nostalgic for the past when I did.
- Harmon Kardon BT Over-Ear Headphones with Bluetooth — A little muddy in the midrange and base but these help me stay sane and music while I work. They are also great as a hands-free accessory for phone calls.
- Adapters — For the iPad, I have Lightning to VGA and Lightning to HDMI adapters. I also need a Lightning to USB cable for charging the iPhone and iPad and a USB.
- ThinCharge Battery Case — A durable, one-piece body that protects my iPhone from drops but also keeps it topped off during the day if I find myself without access to a power outlet.
