Travel tech Q&A: Pronto Software’s David Jackman

In this week's Travel tech Q&A, Pronto Software managing director David Jackman talks about what he and Steve Jobs have in common, his love for Kuala Lumpur airport, and why you should always bring your own pillow.

What tech do you travel with and why?

Samsung Galaxy S II, Laptop, and Bose noise-cancelling headphones. Specifically the Samsung, as it can play FLAC music files — I detest music compression (like Steve Jobs).

What tech do you love abroad, where and why?

Google Maps — reliable, easy to use (which means I don't get lost).

What's your most memorable travel story or experience?

Leaving Australia at 40 degrees Celsius and arriving in Canada after a flight to freezing -35 degrees Celsius, where I shortly attended an outside hockey game.

I nearly died!

What's your personal travel advice or tip?

Always take your pillow. You can sleep anywhere, and you don't have to fight hotel-supplied pillows!

How do you deal with jet lag?

Melatonin pills to fix sleeping issues, but ideally I try to get outside in daylight as much as possible.

What tech is in your briefcase?

I like to keep it simple; usually just my phone and laptop are in my briefcase.

What is your one must-have piece of tech when travelling?

It's easily my phone — like most people, I rely on it pretty heavily.

What was your biggest travel disaster?

Once I lost all my baggage on a trip through the US and Canada! I now make sure to pack vital things in hand luggage just in case it happens again.

Is there one thing you must do before you leave home?

I always check that I have my passport and credit cards multiple times — and a physical print of itinerary.

Where is the best place you've been for duty-free tech shopping?

I would have to say JR Duty Free in Auckland. I've found it has the best service and great prices.

What tech do you expect in hotels when you are travelling?

At the least, I expect it to have Wi-Fi. If you are travelling on business, a solid Wi-Fi connection is invaluable for getting work done while staying in a hotel.

Favourite destination city to work or visit and why? (In relation to technology.)

My favourite destination to work and visit is Dallas, Texas, where we have a new office. Wi-Fi is everywhere, the people are extremely friendly, and it doesn't get blocked with snow.

Which airport would you prefer to be stranded at and why?

Kuala Lumpur. You could live in there!