Travel Tech Q&A: IBRS's Kevin McIsaac
When Intelligent Business Research Services (IBRS) analyst Kevin McIsaac travels, he takes his whole office with him. It probably helps that he does just about all his work from two devices.
(Credit: IBRS)
IBRS is one of the largest Australian-owned IT advisory services company. It regularly publishes research reports, assists with document reviews and strategic planning, and provides tailored business advice and consulting.
What tech do you travel with and why?
An IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad Edge laptop and my Nexus One Android phone.
The phone is a great all-rounder and when travelling is great for keeping on top of emails and for the satellite navigation function. I recently had a 10-day holiday in New Zealand off the back of some work and used the Nexus One to navigate over 1500km. I also read some books on the phone, but with a large font size so I can see it.
The laptop is essential for answering complex emails and writing reports, ie, real content creation. I know it's trendy to use an iPad, but I'm a touch typist and find working on the laptop very comfortable and efficient.
These two devices are my entire office, I don't have any other tech in my office, so you could say when I travel I take it all with me.
What tech do you miss from home?
MythTV. I use it to record and watch programs.
What tech do you love abroad, where and why?
Free public Wi-Fi — enables me to keep online and use all the services I get at home and in the office without paying an arm and a leg for roaming mobile data.
What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?
Email, of course, but Google Places and Trip Advisor are invaluable for finding places to eat.
What (if any) travel websites do you use?
What tech is in your briefcase?
Briefcase? What is that?! I use a backpack and a wheelie bag. All carry-on.
What is your one must-have piece of tech when travelling? What you never leave home without?
My smartphone (Nexus One).
What tech do you expect in hotels when you are travelling?
Free Wi-Fi.