Every year, Apple hosts a handful of press events in spring, summer, and fall (and sometimes winter, too!). Whether I'm taking the train to Cupertino or jetsetting across the country to New York, I'm traveling with my most important gadgets every time. Here's what's in my bag, and more importantly, what my bag is.
Bag of holding
I don't have to drag my entire life with me to Cupertino, so I can keep my bag pretty minimal, which is why this slim briefcase/messenger-style bag is perfect for a one-day trip. It's small enough to carry around with ease but big enough to house my MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and other accessories.
Portable powerhouse
The MacBook Pro is the only way to go when it comes to laptops, in my opinion. They are powerful enough to be used as a main computer but portable enough to take on the road. I prefer the 13-inch model because it's just easier to tote around, even though I am more comfortable using a larger screen. That's why I usually connect my MBP to my iPad Pro so I can use a second screen thanks to Sidecar.
Second screen
I've offically switched to the smaller 11-inch iPad Pro for double screen purposes. The main reason is that I'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, which means lightness takes priority. The 11-inch iPad Pro is the perfect combination of being lightweight and productive.
Clickety Clack
Nothing's going to come between me and my love for Logitech's scissor keyboard typing experience. The Slim Folio Pro is a return to form with near perfect upgrades to important features.
Listening pleasure
This year, Apple's AirPods Pro replaced the Powerbeats Pro as my most favorite headphones of all time. Apple finally made a pair of earbuds that are actually comfortable for me to wear all day long, and the noise-cancellation is magic when I'm on a plane.
Art break
Admittedly, I'm a terrible artist, so you won't find me doodling awesome illustrations of Batman or anything (eh, hem, Rene). But, I love using it with my favorite coloring book apps to help me relax, which is seriously important at the end of a long day after any Apple Event.
Daily driver
Of course, I bring my tried-and-true with me everywhere I go. I always put it through its paces, since I use it for photographing the new hotness, sharing my thoughts on soch meeds, chatting with the iMore team, recording video, and taking all those selfies with Tim Cook!
Staying connected
These days, I need my Apple Watch as much as I need my iPhone. It provides instant bite-sized bits of information about important communications. If I get a notification or a text message, I can simply glance down at my wrist to decide if I need to address it further. This is invaluable when you are working on a fast-paced schedule.
Reliable recharge
There is no way one can go a whole Apple Event without needing a recharge. mophie's powerstation is an absolute lifesaver, multiple times over. Not only will it recharge my iPhone thanks to the USB-A port, but it will give my MacBook Pro emergency juice thanks to the USB-C port.
Smooth video
One important reason to be at an Apple event is to get photos and videos of everything shiny and new, and the Osmo gimbal makes it really easy to get smooth video, even when a lot of things are happening all around you. You can even set focus on a subject and the Osmo will track it, whether you're moving or your subject is.
Apple events bring out the best in my favorite tech
As a tech writer, we carry a lot of gadgets and gizmos around with us, especially to tech events. You never know when you're going to need to break out an extra iPhone for a photo op or recharge your dying MacBook Pro. It may seem a bit excessive, but I can attest to needing everything on this list, every single time I go to an Apple Event.
This list, of course, doesn't include the various cords, cables, and adapters I also tote around with me. If I'm not using Apple's official connectors, I'm using one of Nomad's cables (opens in new tab) and Anker's 5-in-1 hub (opens in new tab)