Travel Bag, The
Croplife

A renowned technophile shares his list of indispensable e-tools for aggies on the move.

I HAVE a reputation for trying all the new toys. Maybe that is at least partially deserved. I have learned in a one-man office, and a job that requires frequent travel, that technology tools are a huge help in keeping up with the routine demands - not to mention the sudden "brush-fires" that pop up.

I haven't tried everything, but have done my share. I have tried to push the limits of the ones I have tried. Some have taken the pressure very well. Others, well ... let's say I have a few expensive door-stops around the office.

Sometimes I feel like a packhorse, but I have found a few tools almost essential. To give you some idea of how this all fits into a computer bag, the editors asked me to "dump" everything out on my work table and number the items. The picture above corresponds with the items listed below. The Top 10 are what I consider my "must haves" for every trip.

1) NOTEBOOK COMPUTER. I started with the "luggable" versions in the late 1970s, while on the Purdue Agronomy Department staff. In fact, one of the first systems - computer, CRT, and printer was easily transported in three big, green plywood boxes, each about two feet square. A 2-wheeled cart was an essential accessory. Today's handheld PDAs have much more computing power and fit easily into your pocket. I didn't try to fit them in the overhead compartment on an airplane, but we did take them on a few commercial flights.