One thing I’ve learned over the years traveling by air is that less is better, especially for quick trips, and my goal is to pack as compact and as weightless as I can. The items I take on the road are designed to save space as well as the burden of lugging heavy objects around with me.  Day trips are the best because everything I need goes in a carry-on that can fit under the seat in front of me so I don’t have to hassle with checking luggage.  The items I take on the road are designed to save space and weight and this method seems to be working for me so I thought I’d share the must-haves that I pack. Think of it as a lightweight tools/gadgets packing checklist for the mobile professional.

1. My laptop is a Fujitsu Lifebook P8010 – this little gem has a 12″ screen and weighs the same as the MacBook Air.  The new Lifebook P8020 is an updated version of my model and has the same (or better) capabilities in the same size. Partnered with a small briefcase, this combo is great for frequent travel. I like the briefcases that Tumi has to offer. Just big enough to fit my computer and other small gadgets in, but still small and lightweight.
2. I carry the compact ScanSnap S300 with me because it’s small (weighs around 3 pounds) and helps me reduce other clutter that used to take up lots of room in my luggage on return flights. Now I can scan presos, contracts, business cards, etc. into digital format using the S300 and I end up going home with my suitcase weighing the same as when I left. My colleague Doug talked more about these scanning on the go capabilities in a post a couple months ago.
3. My iPod Nano is great for entertaining myself at the airport during long delays or layovers. It weighs about the same as a handful of business cards and holds all my music and television shows. The earphones that come with the Nano are fine, but my preference is to use JBud noise cancelling earbuds.
4. Another entertainment essential when I travel is my Sony Reader PRS-505. It’s smaller than one paperback, but I have about 130 books stored on it. No extra packing if I know I’ll finish a book during a trip and want to start reading another.
5. My cell/Blackberry is with me at all times. Right now I have a Blackberry Pearl. It’s one of the smaller models that’s out there right now. Perfect for traveling light.
6. I always have my “weekend” wallet with me, which is just a small wallet, usually without a fold and only big enough to fit a few credit cards and dollar bills in. Think compact and lightweight. Not that bulky thing your grandpa used to carry.

These tools have worked for me; hopefully you’re able to use some of these ideas to make your traveling easier and lighter.

Derek Flower
Senior Account Manager
Fujitsu Computer Products of America