The 2018 Fall iPhone Event takes place on Sept. 12 at 10 am PDT / 1 pm EDT at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. I don't have to travel as far as Rene Ritchie, but I do like to take a lot of gear with me. While trying to pack as minimally as possible, I'll still be toting around my most important gadgets. Here's what's in my bag this year, and more importantly, what my bag is.
Booq Superslim case for 13-inch MacBook Pro: 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 (including charging cables!). Rene will tell you that a shoulder bag is bad for your back, but I argue that, as long as I'm not carrying too much, an unbalanced walk is doable.
2016 13-inch MacBook Pro: 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 with Duet Display, so I can use a second screen. The Touch Bar model provides some useful shortcuts, despite what others might say, that I fully take advantage of.
12.9-inch iPad Pro: This year, my former colleague and event cohort, Serenity Caldwell, won't be attending the Apple Event (as a member of the press, at least), so I'm oblidged to max out my efficiency while keeping my mobile desktop minimal. I'm toting around my larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro so my workflow will basically be like having two 13-inch laptops in front of me (especially with Duet Display). This year, I'm testing the Brydge 12.9 Series II keyboard, so I'll be able to put it through its paces.
Apple Pencil: 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.
Apple Pen: Because Rene gave it to me at the 2016 MacBook Pro event (thanks boss) and it's awesome. #rosegoldallthethings
iPhone X: Of course, I can't go anywhere without my iPhone X. It's everything I need in a mobile device.
iPhone 7 Plus: I loaded the iOS 12 beta onto both my iPhone 7 Plus (public beta) and iPhone SE (dev beta) back during WWDC. Apple usually pushes out a major beta update right around the iPhone event, so I've got them ready for the update if it happens.
Apple Watch Series 2: 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.
Apple AirPods: Though the AirPods give me a small measure of discomfort, they are much less painful than Apple's EarPods and are seriously the best in-ear headphones for using with iPhone, iPad, and Mac when on the road. I never go anywhere without them (especially thanks to my Lunies carrying case).
mophie powerstation AC: If I've learned anything from traveling to conventions and press events it's that you need a lot of battery backup. If I'm writing on the go with no place to charge up, I'm up a creek without a paddle if I can't reup. The powerstation AC has a flipping 100 watt wall plug port, so I'm safe, even if my MacBook Pro runs out of juice before the end of the day.
Reporter's Notebook: I always bring a Reporter's Notebook with me on business trips. I rarely ever use one, but they are great for getting quotes or jotting down notes when you are on the move. They are only 4 inches wide, so you can hold a notebook in one hand while writing with the other. If you are standing and don't have a hard, flat surface nearby, a Reporter's Notebook is a great secondary option.
Of course, this doesn't include my cables and adapters, but this is my typical gear bag list. If I add any last minute items, I'll be sure to let you know.
You can follow my travels @Appaholik on Twitter!
The iPhone (2018) Event starts at 10am PT/1pm ET on Wednesday, Sept. 12 and we will be bringing all of the biggest news to you live!
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