The modern internet has made it possible to do a day’s work from just about anywhere on the planet. This has made an entirely new lifestyle viable for the first time: that of a digital nomad.
A digital nomad can easily travel from one place to another, working from a laptop while they’re on the move. This might allow you to visit inspiring places and to soak in different cultures and ideas along the way.
But getting the best from life as a digital nomad means being disciplined and investing in a few key devices and applications. Let’s consider a few of the more important ones.
Choosing a laptop
A laptop is a non-negotiable for most digital nomads. Make sure that yours is powerful enough to support your workload. If you’re a data scientist, crunching through masses of information, then you’ll need something that’s fairly beefy. If you’re just working with plain text or markdown all day, then your requirements might be more modest.
The battery life, thermal performance, portability, and durability will all matter, too. The MacBook Air is the gold standard when it comes to portability, while the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 14, with its seventeen-hour battery life, is exceptionally convenient.
You might find that there’s a lot of value on the used market, but be aware that older laptops might come with ailing batteries.
Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
What if you can’t find a reliable internet connection via public WiFi? A special, dedicated hotspot like the Solis Lite or Nighthawk M6 Pro will work anywhere in the world, and they’re often a better option than your phone. If you do decide to connect via public WiFi, make sure that you do so securely. Use a good, free VPN for iPhone, and keep your data private.
Productivity apps
We’ve already mentioned the power of discipline and self-motivation. But the right app can provide valuable encouragement and support for digital nomads. Trello, Notion, and Slack can keep you focused and on track, while keeping you in touch with colleagues — wherever in the world they might be. In some cases, being familiar with these apps might allow you to get the gigs you need in the first place.
Power banks
We’ve already mentioned the importance of a laptop. But extra power might sometimes be required when you can’t access a reliable outlet. Look for power banks with USB-C fast charging, and check that you’ll be allowed to take yours on the airplane.
Photo Credit: fokke baarssen / Shutterstock.com
