Lap Tops

[karamia134]

Thanks Eagle. I was kind of trying to find out if anyone had a mini and if they are worth the money/weight over a mobile phone? I think i've decided to go ahead and get one though, either way.

[rileysb]

laptops are worth it for the train/ plane rides. its great to put on a movie and just relax on the longer stretches of your journey.

[allsf]

I've been asking myself the same question.. should I carry my laptop with me on my upcoming Europe trip? I am affraid I'd spend too much time online though.. however, what about planning my next step on my trip? I am not planning on leaving home (San Francisco) with all planned out and booked so I'll have to do it along the way.. also, with a laptop.. wouldn't I need some sort of service that would allow me web browsing? what about a 3G phone? I am just about to buy the new Iphone.. I think that would be a good alternative to a laptop, but what about costs?? any ideas? thanks!!!

[Eagle]

allsf,

There are two definite "schools of thought" on travelling with Laptops (or the newer Netbooks, such as the ASUS 1000HE).

Some people insist on bringing a Laptop for storing photos, checking E-mail or Blogging while they're travelling. Others (myself included) have so far resisted taking a Laptop for several reasons. First, It's cost me a small fortune to get to Europe and I don't want to spend hours of valuable holiday time sitting in front of a Laptop. I'm usually out touring until late in the evenings, so would have to make time to sit down at the Laptop. Net Cafes are good enough for E-mail and there are other ways for storing photos. However, the most important reason I haven't travelled with a Laptop so far is both the size and weight (not exactly good for Backpacking) and also if it were ever lost, stolen or damaged it would be a MAJOR problem for me.

I have been looking at the new Netbooks, and may give those a try on the next trip. Many Hotels, B&B's and Hostels are now providing Wi-Fi free or for a small charge, so that would save some time in Net Cafes.

I would strongly recommend NOT using an I-Phone for web browsing in Europe, as the data roaming rates are horrendous! You wouldn't be too happy to return home and find a $3000 bill waiting. Most people that travel with an I-Phone disable the data portion of the phone. I've used an I-Pod Touch with Wi-Fi in Europe and it works reasonably well, but only for "light duty" use. It's fine for short E-mails, but working with the small screen and keyboard for extensive web use is very slow and awkward.

Cheers!

[allsf]

eagle,

my concern about having a laptop on my trip is not emailing nor keeping in touch nor the pictures.. I sure could use it for a journal but so could use a paper book for that..

I am questioning if it would be an important tool to help plan my trip as I go since I am probably not gonna leave my house with everything pre-planned and pre-arranged (transportation and accommodation mainly)..

is it worth going through the hassle and the risk of taking the laptop with me.. or I can do all that I need in internet cafes around Europe without spending a big chunk of money? any other suggestions for that.. since a phone doesn't seem to be a smart option..

thanks!

[Plym]

I have struggled with this question myself, but have decided to leave it at home!
I wanted it to keep in touch via Facebook but I'd sooner have a funner trip not worrying about it or spending valuable touring time on it!

[Eagle]

allsf,

I can do all that I need in internet cafes around Europe without spending a big chunk of money?

I'm not sure I can answer that completely. I always have my lodgings pre-booked and my transportation very precisely planned, so never use Net Cafes for that. I mainly use them for E-mail to keep in touch with family and friends.

Some Hostels and Hotels provide computer facilities or Wi-Fi for guests (there may be a charge though), so that might be one option. I've found that Net Cafes are not always prevalent or easily accessible in each town. For example in one town I visited in Italy a few weeks ago, the Net Cafe closed at 20:00 and I wasn't able to get there during business hours (too busy sightseeing), so never did get a chance to use it.

Another issue with Net Cafes in some countries, is that the keyboards are different than what we use here. The French keyboards just about drove me crazy! That's another reason I'm planning to try a Netbook on a future trip.

Happy travels!

[dscholz]

I would definitely recommend against bringing a laptop with. I already get enough anxiety bringing my camera with but having a laptop is just something else to worry about. If anything, try investing in one of those smaller mini computers if you can't live without your own. I always found the biggest joy of traveling though is to be fully immersed in the actual environment - having online temptation takes away from that.

Good luck and have fun!!

barcelo maya