I’ve been a remote software developer for most of my nearly 40 year long career. So when I go on vacation, I always make sure I am equipped and ready to do some work while I’m away. Whether it’s because of a client emergency, or my own need to do something productive, I want to be able to work at just about any time.
In earlier days (the 80’s), this was sometimes a huge challenge as some of my first computers were gigantic “portables”. Dubbed “luggables”, these machines were about the size and weight of your grandmother’s sewing machine. They were not durable enough to check as baggage (although I try that once) and too large to fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat of a plane. They didn’t run on batteries. Of course working on the airplane was out of the question, but at least I could get something done once I arrived at my destination.
In the old days…
These days, much of the work I do requires an internet connection, but not all of it. Fortunately, the Internet is available almost everywhere (except while actually flying about half the time). Given an internet connection, I can (and have) solved almost any type of client emergency using only my iPhone with the right apps installed. It’s not at all convenient, fast or easy, but it can be done.
I (along with a lot of other computer professionals) no longer even own a desktop computer. My computer is a Microsoft Surface Pro 3, which is technically a tablet, not even a laptop. I love it, and It’s very portable, the screen is only 14″, so I can and do bring it anywhere I travel. When at home, I dock it to a large screen but given an internet connection, I could theoretically do all the same work from a train, plane or bus that I could do from my home office.
Disclosure: The following pictures and text links in this post are “affiliate links”. If you purchase a product or service from Amazon after clicking the link, I will receive a very small commission, at no cost to you.
Today…
Unfortunately, airlines have brought the seats so close together that there is no longer room to open one up and use the keyboard, even on this small computer! I can use it, but only as a tablet, which is better than working on my iPhone, but not much, without a real keyboard.
When it comes down to it, a large part of my work involves typing. Lots and lots of typing. Lengthy emails, complete documentation, blog entries, plans and so on are not easy to write on an iPhone or tablet’s “keyboard”. Siri doesn’t help much.
The best solution I have found is a foldable Bluetooth keyboard. There are several on the market, and I’ve only tried one of them. But I researched them all quite thoroughly before I bought it. The one I chose was the IKOS Mini BT Folding Keyboard. I’ve also included a link with a picture at the end of this post.
I chose this one for several reasons. It is very compact and light. It folds up into the case, which holds it securely. It’s completely wireless (Bluetooth). It doesn’t require batteries; you recharge it using your phone charger. It is large enough and has good positive feedback to be almost like a full sized keyboard, giving a very natural feel. It works with iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablets and even my computer. The protective case doubles as a stand for your phone. And it’s under $25, which is much cheaper than most of its competitors, which I would not trade this one for!
I did have one small complaint about it when I first received it. The “B” key should more naturally be placed just to the right of the “V” key, instead of to the left of the “N” key. See the picture above to get a better idea. This came about because there is a little isle down the middle of the keyboard where it folds in half, separating the left-hand keys from the right-hand keys (which is actually a good thing, because it gives you more space for your hands), but the designers couldn’t put the “B” key exactly where it belongs, because it would have been right on top of the hinge. Fortunately, with the natural positive feedback of the keyboard, it didn’t take long to adjust to it. I can now type into my iPhone while traveling, as fast as I can type on my computer at home, and I don’t need much space at all.
With this final addition to my travel kit, I now have everything I need to comfortably work from just about anywhere in the world.
