Over the past few months, I have been researching and looking at novel ideas that can be used to make life easier while travelling in a camper van, which I’ve been researching.

From looking at how others travel, they either seem to have two extremes when it comes to travelling with technology – either with just their phone / tablet – or a full computer system, which I think kind of defeats the object of minimalising while travelling.

For me, I do not think that I should have to forfeit what I have access to technology wise – but I also understand that my relationship needs to change with it while I am on the move. I also have to acknowledge that with certain conditions, I actually need to have certain systems in place for day-to-day life to happen.

The real answer to the problem is actually to obtain reasonable technology that can be used at different times / use cases. While also trying to be mindful to be able to achieve maximum flexibility with limited power and web access (at times).

Roster of Gadgets (So far)

As I have specific needs to be met while travelling, I am trying to manage my usage purposefully.

iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch

Core to my day-to-day life, to be able to navigate to locations, as well as remind me about medication, appointments, data in general. Overall, with my Apple Watch, I think I am more of a user of these gadgets than most people – not necessarily by choice. They are  tools to allow me to function a lot more than I would be able to without. The Apple Watch is very important to help me manage my health, and simply manage my sleep pattern.

The iPad is more for general quick and dirty access to data, or a more leisurely browsing situation. I also use it to read the news etc. I also use it to browse and stream entertainment to a Google Chromecast (don’t bother getting the one with the remote, the normal one is about £25). However, both devices can also be charged by a USB port, so simple power management.

HP Pavilion X2 detachable Mini Laptop

This was a game changer in the arsenal. The HP Pavilion X2 is a small, 11 inch, mini laptop (that can become a tablet – which I do not use). The form factor is perfect for quickly typing out a blog post, replaying to longer emails – and generally any other situation where a mouse and keyboard is more helpful than a finger and tablet.

This isn’t, however, my main computer. I would not be able to cope if this was my only daily driver – but I would strongly suggest many would be able to quite happily (if you do not need things like Adobe editing software). But for approx 80-90% of the time, it is a perfect addition to the collection.

Most people would suggest that I should have purchased an Apple Smart Keyboard case for the iPad – which is fair, but for two points:

  1. I don’t really like the style of keys used on the keyboard generally. Prefer a slightly longer travelling key while I am typing.
  2. I like to use Windows / Linux too. None of the operating systems are prefect, but each have their uses. iOS is great, but I can do everything I would wish via it. Same with the others.

The fact that I can do a majority of what I need for a several year old laptop is amazing. Easy to carry about. Means I do not need to use an inverter to charge / use my “gaming laptop” – which I use for editing, photoshop and general creativity with Adobe suite. Also, I imagine that I will also be able to just leave my gaming laptop at home, and edit when I get back from my adventures.

The downside is that it only has 2 GB of RAM and only 32 GB hard drive. But this is supposed to be used to access and write things via the web – WordPress blog writing, emails, Nextcloud etc. Windows 8 is also not great. But to sit down to force myself to write with a ‘proper keyboard’ – is truly a nice experience.

Nextcloud

A phenomenal cloud-based system that YOU own – not Google. The data is yours, owned by you. It is a fantastic piece of software that really covers 99.9% of the work most people would need to do. As it’s in the “cloud”, it can be accessed anywhere with web access.

With the same convenience of Dropbox, or Google Docs (etc), with the ability to share with friends or family. I will never do it justice writing it here. But it does explain why I can use a cheap 11-inch laptop, as I can store and access anything stored on my Nextcloud. I know it is secure and safe on my server, can access at anytime, and can share and collaborate with anyone at anytime. Folders can be synced without thinking. Easy and simple.

What is a game-changer is that Nextcloud has apps for Android and iOS. Plus Nextcloud Talk creates secure and convenient peer-to-peer calls and video calls. So while others are overly frustrating themselves with Zoom calls – via Nextcloud Talk – it’s simple.

Additional Gadgets Planned

These are other things I am thinking about getting for the collection…

  • Atoto Head unit
    An upgrade to the van’s sound system, that has CarPlay built in – which obviously integrates with my Phone / Watch (specifically for navigation). Certain models also come with Wi-Fi – which means it can access and use…
  • 1 x Raspberry Pi to operate an Open Media Vault install – USB powered
    This is to have a decent store of local data that the network within the van can access. Music and films to entertain, and space for video/photos I have taken while I go on adventures. So they are backed up and safe. Possibly thinking about expanding it to have a Raid system for additional, automatic backups of data to be extra safe.
  • 1 x Raspberry Pi for a CCTV system (to help combat my anxiety) – USB powered
    Possibly thinking of running a CCTV system around the van, to have additional sense of security. Footage of course, accessible anywhere.
  • Possible small projector – USB powered
    It is amazing how small, cheap and easily powered projectors are getting. No decision of make/model as yet. Thinking that coupled with a cheap and small projector screen (approx £25), I can enjoy entertainment from the above OMV system on a half decent screen, without the need of a power hungry TV / 240v inverter.

As always, I’d love to hear from people about any suggestions they have concerning this topic – from their own experiences or products/services that might help me. Would be muchly appreciated.