Hey there. I know several of us on here are seasoned globetrotters, so I thought I'd ask for some advice.

I'm taking an out-of-state trip in a little less than a month, and will be gone anywhere between 2-3 weeks. Some of my family members and friends are hoping to get some gaming sessions in, so I'm being encouraged to bring my big, bulky gaming notebook along for the ride. Since its hour-long battery life and 12-pound weight won't do well for other usage scenarios, I'm thinking about bringing my X200 along for the ride as well. I do have a backpack capable of carrying all this and my other accessories, and I know from experience it'll work as carry-on luggage on a plane.

I'm driving out there and may likely be flying back, but the last time I did this I only carried one notebook and was gone only a few days. Are there any hints or tips that'll make this experience as hassle-free as possible, and any must-have accessories I should bring along?

Other than the inconvenience of carrying this gaming monstrosity with you, I can't imagine other issues...

I'd suggest you take a break from playing gaming for those few weeks.
It will give you wonderful withdrawal symptoms!
Just bring your X200 for email/browsing.

Totally agree with you Dominic!!

Ron

If I were you, this would be a great excuse to buy a new laptop! Get a small and light gaming laptop just for this trip, e.g. the Alienware M11x, and bring only this laptop.

Interesting responses. I might be able to convince my fam and friends that I can't really take a whole lot(not exactly an exaggeration as I'm driving across the country in a BMW 1-series) and just take along the X200. I definitely can't float a new notebook(and I stick with a ThinkPad as my primary system as I can't stand touchpads; I can't use my G73 unless I have an external mouse attached) so it might be nice time just using the diminutive X for a few weeks.

If you can haul it, do it.

Carrying multiple laptops through security at the airport has never been a hassle for me. Just make sure you are organized and have a plan to move through as smoothly as you can by making sure things that must be out of your bags are easily accessible. Having the X200 in a simple sleeve that can pass through the xray without being pulled out may help. Guess you could do the same for the big lappy.

I have no desire to lug anything bigger than my X61 after years of dragging the work issued Tecra, but if you can carry it without killing yourself and it will add to your enjoyment on the trip, why not?

Do you have space in a rolling carry on for the gaming machine so you can put it in the overhead bin after a little reorganizing once through the TSA zone?

Good luck,

Daniel