For some time now, actually since my job gave me a laptop, I carry a bag with me when I go out most places. Eatings (aka, vehicle in a public parking lot) are a no-no with my bag, but private homes, trips, etc usually are. More than once, I’ve been able to say “yeah, I’ve got one of those” and pull something obscure and really handy at the time out of my bag. It’s the Boy Scout motto in geek fashion: Be really *bleeping* prepared. I’ve slimmed down since I stopped hefting my LT everywhere (it’s usually docked at work for the weekdays) to my flight bag. Zines, notebook, pen/pencil, pocket protector, it’s all there minus the carmex, min mag lite, and needle-nosed pliers.
however, those days will shortly return partially because I now have justification but mostly part after 6+ years on the same model laptop (though it is my 3rd), my company is giving me a new one. Dual core. 1gb of ram. 80gb hard drive. Yeah, I know. Plus the wife wants all the crap off our serving table in the bedroom to make room for… ummm… other things.