Travel Tech Q&A: Adobe's Paul Robson

Adobe's managing director for Australia and New Zealand Paul Robson shares his travel experiences with tech on the road, and his desire for holographic 3D video conferences.

Paul Robson
(Credit: Adobe)

What tech do you travel with and why?

My tablet, mobile phone and noise-cancelling headset. I have started creating a family website, so I use one of the new Adobe touch apps for tablets, Adobe Proto, to design wire frames for my web pages on the move. Also, when I reach my destination, I like to take a lot of photos to share my trip with the family. Adobe Photoshop Touch is great for giving the photos a professional touch, and Adobe Collage is what I use to layout my photos. I also have my phone with me, for obvious reasons, as well as my Bose noise-cancelling headphones, to escape during long haul flights.

What tech do you miss from home?

My Apple TV. When I'm at home, I use it to stream my music and photos to the televisions throughout the house. It's very much a multi-purpose device for our family.

What tech do you love abroad; where and why?

Singapore Airlines provides wireless broadband on some flights, allowing you to stay connected and catch up on email while travelling. I am not sure if I will come to hate this, but at the moment, it's a massive increase in productivity.

What's your favourite phone app and why?

I use goCatch, which is great for getting a cab at night in the city. My kids would want me to say Angry Birds ... it's one of the most used apps on my phone, but it isn't necessarily me [who is] using it!

Most memorable travel story/experience

I was in Xi'an, China, having finished a couple of meetings and about to board a plane. The flight was cancelled due to bad weather and delayed for 24 hours. The travel company put me on a train to Beijing ... it was only after getting on the train that I came to realise — I had a 22 hour journey ahead of me! While initially frustrating, I look back on this as one of the best experiences in my life. Sharing a sleeping cabin with five locals and watching the Chinese countryside roll past, was a once in a lifetime experience.

Personal travel advice/tip?

Unless you're travelling with your family or for more than 10 days, don't check luggage. You won't need, or use it.

How do you deal with jet lag?

Don't drink too much and try to stay on the local time zone. I also always try to stay at a hotel with a pool, and I find that having a swim every morning really helps.

What (if any) travel websites do you use?

Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet.

What tech is in your briefcase?

I don't have a briefcase. My technology is my briefcase!

What was your biggest travel disaster?

I checked into a hotel in Thailand and there was, literally, no toilet. The bathroom was under construction, and there was no shower and no toilet. I called the reception and they didn't believe me ... when the manager came up to the room, he was shocked. I still have no idea what was going on there!

What is the best airport you've visited, and why?

The Qantas First Class lounge in Sydney Airport is brilliant.

Where is the best place you've been for duty free tech shopping?

Hong Kong, but it was way better in the 1990s.

What tech do you expect in hotels when you are travelling?

Wi-Fi has to be a standard; plus, an iPod dock.

What is your dream travel tech to have on planes/at hotels?

Holographic video-conferencing facility, in 3D. OK, it's a little specific, but it is a dream!

Favourite destination city to work/visit and why?

I really like Seoul, it really surprised me by how technologically advanced it is. And, the Korean BBQ is second to none.