A cheap "laptop" with backup power for traveling (Kindle or iPad)
Depending on where I travel, I’ll take a Chromebook or my newest “computer” which I will describe below.
The thing with laptops/Chromebooks/etc. is that they are easy to steal and easy to damage. So when I travel I prefer to have something that won’t be horrible if it gets stolen or broken. A Chromebook fits the bill, but on my most recent trip, I tried something new. And I found it works quite well and is generally available for under $200, sometimes close to $150 (just watch for sales if needed).
I like it for several reasons:
- I can recharge it with my battery backup since it’s got a usb-c input.
- It’s small and compact, yet the keyboard is close enough to the regular size that I found it easy to use. You can easily hold it in one hand AND it fits on most airplane pull-down trays still.
- You can easily use it as a notebook or as a tablet.
- In the case, the Kindle seems safer than a standard notebook or
“Dangling” the keyboard ——>Chromebook as the Kindle stays attached to the case when you use it and the whole thing quickly and easily folds shut to carry around. And the keyboard magnetically attaches strongly and didn’t fall off for me ever. See the pic to the right where I’ve put it halfway out of its spot in the case but it still stays there when held vertically. So no loose separate or bulky case or keyboard needed. - The Kindle software with a few added apps allowed me to do nearly everything I wanted to do on the Kindle. Yeah, the Silk browser isn’t stellar, but it worked well enough for me. A few things I had to do on my phone instead because of limitations, but this was minor.
- If you have Amazon Prime, the Prime Video has a special category of things you can watch when abroad, to keep you entertained.
- Easily replaced if lost or stolen.
There is a similar product called Libra that works with iPads.
This is what mine looks like – easily held in one hand. Components are listed below.
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How to do this with the Kindle (just do the similar steps for the iPad/Libra):
First, you need a Fire HD 10 (2017 version right now). The picture to the right will take you to the Amazon page.—->
which is, unsurprisingly, a case that holds the Kindle and has a Bluetooth keyboard in it as well. There are several colors and patterns of the case to choose from. The keyboard works well, and you can just pop the kindle out to use it as a regular tablet. The Kindle is held securely in the case and the keyboard can be moved to where it is most comfortable and is magnetic so it stays in place. You can even stand the Kindle on a table and put the keyboard in your lap if that makes you most comfortable. I picked the floral one as shown above.
And if you want to be able to recharge it on the run, this is what I use:
The Anker PowerCore Speed 10000 QC, Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 which can recharge this, my phone or my camera quickly.
Happy travels!
