Over the last several weeks I have been confronted by the gear that I take with me at each place I teach. I am recognizing my habits, while not being willing to part with most of my gear. Gizmodo, BoingBoing and Uncrate all have lately written up what people take along on their journeys, whether that is on vacation or to work in the city. I don’t have the same tool set as many, but what I do take along has a purpose for me.
I teach history two days a week at Creighton University while a friend of mine is on maternity leave. For those classes I need my notes and powerpoint slides. Actually, I could probably do it all without notes at this point, but I would rather have them than not. I know that I can get stumbled over my words and thoughts, especially in a stressful situation like the classroom. So for my class at CU, I take a thumb drive, my binder of notes and my netbook.
I also teach one night a week at Nebraska Wesleyan University. For this class I also take my thumb drive, my binder of notes and my netbook. I also take along the reading assignment, papers to return as well as papers to distribute. I need a sturdy bag and I have one that I have used for nearly 15 years. It has been remarkably sturdy despite not being made of leather or high grade materials. It looks worn, but I was actually given compliments on it this year.
I work at the University of Nebraska’s Center for Digital Research in the Humanities (CDRH) three days a week as well. For this job, I work at a desk of computers. I use my netbook while I am coding for some entertainment and to be plugged into Twitter while I am working. But since this job does not require much interaction between those of us there, I am also plugged into my iPod constantly.
My constant toolkit therefore includes:
1. Asus EeePC running an Atom N550 at 1.5GHz with 220 GB and 1 gig of RAM. It’s tough – my three year old messes with it. It’s dependable – easy to see screen, slim keyboard, easy to open clamshell design. It runs powerpoint. It is big enough for me to touch type on, but smaller than regular computer keyboards. It has a webcam too, but I don’t use it. It is small enough to easily take anywhere. The battery lasts for me up to about nine hours. That is crazy. I love it.
2. iPod Touch 8gig. Touch screen is nice; easy to check email on, music, youTube, wordpress, games, calculator – what I need every day. I hate to admit how attached I have become to my iPod Touch.
3. Thumb Drives. I have three in constant rotation for readyboost, backups and saving teaching files and dissertation copies mostly.
4. Notebooks – actual paper notebooks. I use two most of the time, a fullsize Mead grad school branded notebook. I like the paper texture, the strength of the spiral and the look of the pages. I also use the Mean “Fat ‘Lil Notebook.” I have had one on me throughout my time in graduate school. They are great for quick notes, for writing library call numbers and jotting details on.
5. Pens – I use Pilot G-2 05 pens as much as I can. Few others can keep their ink smooth and quick-drying. They are dependable and always on me or in my bag.
6. Backpack – I currently have a Jansport backpack. They are guaranteed for 10 years and quite solid. The best pack I had was a NorthFace pack with cinchable cords. It too was guaranteed, but guarantees don’t cover theft.
7. Headphones – I am a headphone junky. I can’t find the best headphones for what I want. I had some Shure E2c’s that were awesome. Best sound ever. They were stolen. Then I had some v-moda 22’s. They were pretty good for the price, but they too were lost. I now use some crappy Altec-Lansings – at least they are sound-sealing. I would love some new Shures, but they are too expensive for now. We’ll see what I get next.
I am sure I will be adding to this list as I need new stuff.