Or... what is the well-dressed consultant carrying these days?
OK, so the title is a bit of a misnomer because my briefcase is not bionic (I just happen to like the alliteration), and the well-dressed consultant referred to is me. Here's a list of stuff I never travel without on business.
Opening my briefcase is always an interesting experience for me: I find all sorts of things there that I forgot I had, like a mini-stapler. But there are some things that I always make sure I have with me:
A computer of some sort or, more accurately I suppose, a digital input device. Depending on what I'm going to be doing and where I'm going, this could be an Alphasmart Neo, a Digimemo, or a "proper" computer. The Alphasmart is a keyboard device that does not allow me to do much more than type stuff, but it's great for using in cafés without the distraction of the internet (it is not wireless). The Digimemo allows you to write using a pen, which you can then convert to editable digital text on my main computer. It also makes it easy to draw things, as illustrated by the picture that accompanies this article -- though sadly it does not turn one into an artist (again, as illustrated etc).
What I like about both of these devices is that they are much better than ordinary laptops when it comes to making notes during visits. The Digimemo, for example, is handy for making notes whilst walking around a school, say. Both devices benefit from having no fold-up screen, which I find acts as a psychological barrier when talking to people, especially if they are somewhat technophobic anyway. Yes, I know I could use a tablet PC but (a) I have never really liked them and (b), the beauty of the Alphasmart and the Digimemo is, firstly, that they are incredibly light and secondly that, without wishing to be disparaging in any way to these products, I don't think any self-respecting mugger would want to bother stealing them from me.
Next, I always carry a digital camera. It can be useful to take a picture of something, in a school, say, to remind me of a particular consideration when I come to write up or process my notes. The camera also has a video recording facility. I have never used the camera to take pictures of children, partly because one ought to ask permission first and partly in case my motives are misconstrued. Actually, most of the pictures I take are not work-related, but which catch my eye as I am in transit.
The camera case is itself a treasure trove of batteries and spare SD cards and USB sticks.
Finally, I always like to carry around a digital recorder, either to record some interesting sounds which I may be able to use in a podcast, or in case I wish to record a talk for listening to later, or for interviewing people.
It sounds like a lot to carry, especially as my phone will record pictures, video and sound. But I find that multifunctional devices are never as good for individual functions as devices that were designed just for one purpose. I know things are getting better in that regard, but in my experience it still holds true.
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