If you have one of those really nice, lightweight, useful with advance technology, expensive laptop carry cases with lots of foam padding, pitch the padding. It only adds weight and takes up space. But is one way of being over protected with an expensive things, they are overkill. Always to be sure to carry your Windows start up disk. You probably don’t need many program disks, that you usually thought that you needed but make sure of that before you leave. Mapping programs are usually happier if they can find the maps. Put CD’s into the newer, thin jewel cases. What a wonderful invention. Once again, use your detailed checklist for computer gear you’ll need.
Having what you need and makes you comfortable is not clutter. Working on the road is tough enough without having to adapt to cramped workspaces. I like a trackball and hate touch pads. For me, it is worth the extra space to carry a trackball. There are some tiny ones made for laptops, but I never could get used to them. Be sure to have a long (25 feet) telephone cord, with a double connection on one end. You may want to work on your balcony, or on the bed instead of a teeny-tiny desk. A 12-foot extension cord will give you plenty of freedom. Be sure to have some blank floppy disks or CD’s, depending on whether your laptop still has a floppy drive or a CD-burner. If you need to print, there are some really nice, small printers today that will fit in your laptop case if you get rid of the extra padding. And, yes, that extra battery takes up space and weight, but can be a lifesaver. Whatever you think you’ll need, put it on the list. Then check it off if you never use it.