Imagine leaving your trusty laptop behind on a trip - it's a bold move, right? Well, that's exactly what I did, and it all started with a pocket-sized mini PC and a pair of AR glasses. I never thought I'd be saying this, but after a year with this unique setup, I left my laptop at home. Most people would opt for a traditional laptop, but I'm not your average traveler. While I appreciate my ThinkPad, it's my home office setup that truly spoils me. I tried various methods to recreate that experience on the go, but it wasn't until I donned those AR glasses that everything fell into place.
Finding the perfect mini PC was the final piece of the puzzle. I wanted something small enough to fit in my pocket and powered by USB-C for ultimate portability. Enter the Khadas Mind 2S - a mini PC that looks more like a portable hard drive and offers full-sized ports, eliminating the need for bulky dongles. With its USB-C power, I can use a GaN charger or even a power bank, giving me a truly mobile workstation.
My display of choice? The Xreal One AR glasses. With built-in speakers and an ultrawide mode, they recreate the side-by-side window experience I love from my ultrawide monitor at home. After testing this setup at home, I took it on my first real trip - to NYC for the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling. To my surprise, I wrote my entire hands-on review using this combo! And get this - I managed to fit my wireless mechanical keyboard, mini trackball mouse, and the entire setup on an airplane tray table, powered by a Ugreen Nexode Power Bank.
Next stop: Computex in Taiwan. This tech-filled trip confirmed that my mini PC and AR glasses setup was ready for prime time. I traveled light, fitting everything, including my camera, into a small bag. The Adaptive-Transparency Mode on the Xreal One AR glasses proved invaluable, allowing me to work while remaining aware of my surroundings. I even caught the attention of a local Taiwanese reporter who wanted to know more about my unique gear!
But the real test came when my family and I headed to Texas. In the rush of packing, I had some work to finish. For a moment, I considered taking my laptop, but then I realized I didn't need it. Instead, I packed the Khadas Mind 2S, the Xreal One AR glasses, my mechanical keyboard, and my mini trackball mouse. While everyone else slept, I worked in the dark, without the glow of a laptop screen potentially waking my son. It was a setup that exceeded my expectations, and it all started with that initial experiment.
So, what's next? I don't know, but this mini PC and AR glasses combo has become a winner I plan to use for years. It's a testament to the power of experimentation and the unexpected joys it can bring.
