This is my current mobile computing kit for long trips. For greater mobility, I ditch the external web cam, secondary display and Poly Elara. For home computing, I close the lid and use a larger display and wireless keyboard.
Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad T460s i7, touch screen, $1,200
Pros: Keyboard, Light weight, Touch screen, Plenty of processing power for routine tasks, Bluetooth. Cons: No USB-C, O\one-to-few USB Ports, Not great battery power
Mouse: Logitech MX Anywhere 2S $60
Pros: Portable, Long battery life. Logi Unifying Device (takes up one USB slot for multiple peripherals) , Cons: Expensive, no case. Where to buy
USB Wired Headset: Logitech Mono Headset H570e, $45
Pros: Reliable, Durable, Drivers “work every time”. Cons: Not very pack-able.
USB Camera: Logitech Brio, $200
Pros: Best image quality for the size. Drivers “work every time”. Cons: Cost, mounting clip not great for thin displays. Where to buy
Secondary Display (USB): Asus MB 169B+ 15.6” Full HD 1920 x 1080 $173
Pros: USB (no power outlet required), light weight. Cons: Travel case serves as stand is temperamental, not easily pack-able. Where to buy
Mobile Phone Charging and Headset: Poly Elara 60 Series 5A
Pros: Charging station, Flip-up base puts phone in position for video calls, Comfortable headset with noise isolation, Built-in speakerphone, Bluetooth headset works without base station, Connects via Bluetooth to laptop. Cons: Base does not fold, thus not packable. No USB to laptop, requires power outlet. Teams enablement button and auto-launch app not necessary. Where to buy
Additional Considerations:
Power Strip
Large Desk Surface
Acoustic quality of the room
View out the window
Heat & ventilation
Coffee
Portable Podcasting: Shure MV88 video Kit, $270
Pros: Versatile microphone: Three elements support different interview set-ups, Adjustable pickup pattern, Packable kit, Excellent and free audio and video software (Motiv). Cons: Price, relies on mobile phone’s camera, where self-facing camera may not be high quality. Where to buy