The Portable Writer
What's in your location independent writing toolbox?
As a writer I’ve lived through an era when my boss thought computers would never catch on to an era where the tools I need are increasingly available online. I no longer need to carry much with me to have an ultra portable writing business. Here are some of the items in my writing toolbox.
A Mini Computer
So new that it hasn’t even been delivered yet, my mini computer will give me access to everything I need to get online. I will use it mostly for research when traveling, for writing, for checking email and for keeping up with my social networks. The reason I like it is because it’s light (none of the shoulder ache that comes from carrying a regular laptop during a day’s travel) and, like most laptops, I can charge it virtually anywhere. It’s not much good for playing games, but as a work machine it works (or at least I hope it will). This will replace my dated and much heavier Dell Latitude Laptop. Built in Wi-Fi is a given, of course, but if you plan to stay in one place for a while you can also investigate solutions such as mobile broadband or fixed line cable or ADSL connections.
Google Docs
File this under ‘things I plan to use more’. I must admit that one of the few pieces of software I’ve stuck with through my writing career has been Microsoft Word. For me, it’s better than the Open Office version. However, when traveling I have used Google Docs to give me access to quick editing functionality. It works well for word processing, handling spreadsheets and preparing presentations and I can access it from anywhere. Of course, I don’t have time to upload all the documents I might ever need into it, but my next tool takes care of that.
Syncplicity
This is my favorite online backup tool. As a former beta tester, I get a bit of extra storage (I think it’s up to 5GB in all). I make sure that all my essential files are on automatic backup, which means I can access them from anywhere. I then have the choice of editing them through Zoho Docs or downloading and importing into Google Docs. Both seem to work well.
Portable Storage
The size of this can vary. While I have a large portable hard drive (about half the size of a paperback), I don’t usually take this with me. My 16GB USB pen drive is big enough for most of my needs. I keep the things I will need urgent access to – and not much else. There’s just one critical application ….
Portable Browser
I use Google Chrome, but before that it was Firefox. If you make a habit of using portable apps even on your fixed PC, then you can copy them onto a USB stick at any time and have access to favorites, passwords, cookies and so on. It’s a quick way to get up and running when you’re on the move.
Portable Electronics
Under this heading I place my digital recorder, MP3 player, headset and webcam (if you can get it built into your laptop that’s a bonus). With these I have pretty much everything I need, except for …
Phone
I don’t know how I ran my writing business before Skype. That’s currently my VOIP provider of choice, while I wait for Google Voice to approve my account. My contact list is growing and I like the fact that I can talk, text, conference and video message (depending on the robustness of the local internet connection). Together with my mobile phone, this keeps me connected to the rest of the world.
Contact Management
This is one area where I’m still undecided. Outlook is pretty good as a contact manager, but it’s hardly portable. Google Contacts has limited functionality. I no longer use a Palm, so that’s out. At the moment, I am trying Gist, which includes my Google Apps, Gmail, LinkedIn and Facebook contacts, but I’m not sure that’s a final solution. Suggestions are welcome.
Old Tech, Low Tech
Finally, two things that all this technology can’t replace – a notepad and pencil.
What tools do you use that help keep your career location independent?
This is my entry for the Location Independent Group Writing Project.
Share this on: Facebook / StumbleUpon / Delicious / Twitter
Or get updates via our RSS, EMAIL or Podcast feed.
Copyright Info
Get Paid To Write Online by Sharon Hurley Hall is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Copyright for posts written by guest authors remains with them.Useful info
Connect with me
For all online backup, file sharing and storage related info, news, interviews, top 25 rankings and more, I recommend the Backupview website
I am wondering if you would be interested in reviewing a new CloudBerry Online Backup powered by Amazon S3 with friendly user interface, strong data encryption and scheduling capabilities. You can sign-up for beta at cloudberrydrive.com
I have it on my list to get one of those mini computers. It looks so unbelievably convenient! I truly want something that I can transport in my purse.
Katherine´s last blog post..Poison Oak Remedy – Homeopathy to the Rescue!
Great stuff! One of my must-haves for portable computing: web mail! I often send myself files so I can pull them down and work anywhere, whether I have my laptop with me or not. I’ve thought about signing up for G.host, the online desktop, too.
I see that Verizon is offering a mini computer with there service. It looks so cute and convenient, I want one!
Debo Hobo´s last blog post..Flying High Friday-How To Apply For A New Passport
“Mini computer”? My, how times have changed. When I was in college, that term referred to the Computer Science Department’s DEC PDP-11 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDP-11).
As always, you’ve given us some cool tech tips. I tried Mozy online backup and decided it wasn’t for me. Perhaps I’ll look at Synplicity.
The best contact management system is a custom built app.
At least a customizable one, anyway – which i probably why you like Outlook. There is an old (2006) portable freebie called Kurlo. I don’t know if that will suffice, but I just did a general check
Cheers,
Mitch
Mitchell Allen´s last blog post..Lifestyle of the Digital Tinker
I have a nice little Acer and I love it to death. If you don’t need a huge amount of space you can get some of the ones with smaller memory at a really good price right now.
Danielle´s last blog post..6 Articles, Day 4
I got a Samsung NC10 about a month ago–I love it. For me, the biggest perks are the long battery life and a keyboard that is roomy enough to write comfortably, which is a must. My intention was to get it simply to avoid lugging around my Dell Latitude (the Samsung’s super light), but I find myself pretty much exclusively using the netbook now, even at home. (Clearly I’m still in the honeymoon phase with this purchase, so please excuse the gushing). Anyway, I think you’ll enjoy having a netbook–it’s a great tool for writers.
As for the other tools you mentioned, there’s one I’m particularly interested that seems to be missing: a productivity tool. I admit that sometimes I have trouble keeping track of everything I need to do, and so I’m always interested in how others manage to keep track of their writing gigs/projects. To do lists? Calendars? Web apps?
Thanks for the article–as an aspiring writer, I read it with interest.
Thanks, Sharon – some handy tips. I’m afraid I’m a Mac girl though! And my Macbook is small enough to carry around easily (I do have an additional portable harddrive for extra space since I make alot of audio recordings which take up space quickly!)
Cath
Cath´s last blog ..Leading Your Life: How is the World Broken?
Webmail is essential, you’re right. I use Gmail with offline access so I can have the best of both worlds.
I saw someone using one on the plane, Katherine, and it was very convenient – and light, too. That convinced me that it was the right way to go.
Yes, I’ll look at that, Nadya
The Samsung’s definitely the one for me, especially after getting an impromptu user review on a recent trip.
Funnily enough, Mitch, I haven’t used Outlook for a couple of years, but I find myself missing out on functionality I know it has.
I’ve just put the NC 10 to the test and I can recommend that too, Danielle. Thanks for telling us about the Acer.
I agree about the Samsung, Jennifer. I am impressed after trying it on the road for a week or so.
For productivity, I use Remember the Milk to list tasks, combined with Google Calendar, and a GTD approach to email. I think it could be even simpler though.
I used to work with Macs and really loved them, Cath. Now that I could run my Windows programs, it’s tempting to make the switch.