Just realized my laptop setup was a huge problem after getting stuck in a Lisbon cafe

I was working from a small cafe in Lisbon last week when my power bank died and the only outlet was across the room. My 16 inch laptop, big charger, and two dongles made a huge mess on the tiny table. I couldn't move without unplugging everything, and I missed a video call because of it. That day I decided to cut down to just a 13 inch laptop and a single multi-port charger. Has anyone else had a moment that made you totally change your tech gear for the better?

4 comments

4 Comments

grant_dixon2mo ago

Honestly I went the other way after a similar mess. I just got a longer extension cord and a bigger power strip, keeps all my stuff plugged in at my seat. I mean idk maybe it's just me but I like having my full setup even if it's a bit bulky.

cora_mitchell2mo ago

Wait you bring a power strip to a cafe? That's wild.

knight.uma2mo ago

Wasn't there a whole article about this in a travel blog? They called it "cord chaos" and said a single GaN charger with multiple ports is the best upgrade for mobile work. I switched to a smaller laptop and one of those chargers last year and it really does make cafe stops less stressful.

young.michael21d agoMost Upvoted

The real trick nobody talks about is getting a laptop that charges over USB-C and makes your phone charger do double duty. I grabbed a little foldable wall plug with two USB-C ports last month and it handles both my laptop and my iPad at the same time. That way you just need one cord for everything and the other pocket is for your phone cable. It's way less to dig around for when you're trying to pack up in a hurry.