Some people dream of world peace. Other people dream of the Cubs winning the World Series. And some even dream of Jeannie. Me? I dream of the day when I can leave my laptop at home when I hit the road for business. With the three gadgets I picked up this weekend, I am a whole lot closer.
Now that the iPhone has copy and paste I can write reasonably long documents (under 1000 words) using QuickOffice. (I am even using a few apps to train myself to be a more accurate and speedy typist.) So my word processing needs are largely covered. Communications - email, IM, social networking, Twitter, RSS, web, etc. - are all addressed with either the phone itself or in tandem with a Verizon Mifi.
The missing pieces have always been PowerPoint and power.
I very rarely need to edit or create a preso on the road but almost always I have to project one. I usually carry my decks on a laptop but longed for a way to project from the iPhone (there isn't always a computer at the ready at my point of preso). Finally, with the iPhone, battery life even on the 3GS, is for the birds. So, I had to find a viable way to keep the phone juiced when it runs low.
I solved the PowerPoint issue by adding two new gadgets. If I plan ahead I now should be able to: 1) export my PPT file to jpegs, 2) stuff it in a photo album and sync it to my phone, 3) using an Apple Composite Cable ($50) connect it to any projector, TV or monitor. The other gadget I picked up is the super speedy Sandisk Cruzer Contour (about $25 for 8gb), which can store the backup preso all snug and encrypted along with a slew of portable apps in case I need to do more with someone else's PC.
The battery issue that was solved simply by purchasing one of these Duracell instant chargers, which I found for $30 at my local Walmart. It charges via USB and recharges the iPhone in under an hour! I have tried a lot of chargers, including the Mophie, but this one is the best.
I believe "the dream" is one step closer to reality. Now I just need the guts to give the laptop the heave-ho on my next long trip. See the gadget gallery below for more.
If this intrigues you, let me know and I will maybe pull together a quick video showing how this all works.
Second: I am with you on the gadget traveling conundrum. I often remote office from different locations and toting my 10lb laptop around is getting a bit tiresome.
I, like you, am waiting with bated breath for the day when everything will have a USB connection to just hook up to our iPhone or Android device.