Camera, Laptop Advice

[rocklit]

As I have posted a few times before, I am visiting Western Europe for about five weeks in October, for the first time. Concerning a digital camera, if I have a notebook computer with me, I assume it will be simple to go to an internet cafe, use my laptop, and download my photos???

On that note, is anyone familiar with traveling with a notebook computer in Western Europe? I'm taking all my university courses online in the Fall so that I can stay in Europe for a month. I'm going to need to post to the discussion boards and take exams in these courses, so I need to make sure I can do this smoothly.

I couldn't find much information on the web, and I called Dell for advice, but they weren't very helpful. They mentioned I would need to have a wattage converter? How will I be able to plug into the network? I'm wondering if buying a laptop with a wireless card will help?

[Jules80]

You definately need a converter. (ok i know i'm gonna mess up the numbers) we in NA are on something like 110V and they use something like 240V (or there abouts) so if you want to plug your computer in over there you need a converter. also bear in mind that while the V is the same all over europe (i think) the plugs are not always.

as far as plugging into networks, i would be very surprised to hear you could acutally plug into a network with a physical wire in an internet cafe (although i have no idea if you can or not). if they have a wireless network this normally isn't a problem because that's the whole point of it being wireless. considering many hostels i've looked into booking have free wireless internet, buying a wireless card will probably be your best bet and try and book into hostels or hotels that have wireless.
hope this helps a little...

[dumbdiety]

While it may SEEM like a good idea to bring a laptop with you, general consensus on the board is DON'T!
They may seem light, but after a while it'll feel heavy, not to mention all the wires and converters you'd need to bring. What about buying more memory cards for your camera?

[rocklit]

If I only had the camera dilemma, I would just do what you say, bring memory cards, but I still have to continuously check on my online courses. That's the main reason I need to bring a notebook computer along.

[Eagle]

rocklit, a few comments on your questions. First, regarding the Digital Camera and downloading/uploading your photos. I'm not quite sure why you would need to use an Internet Cafe if you have a Laptop with you, as you could transfer all your photos to the hard drive on the Laptop. Also, if your Computer is equipped with a CD Burner, you could burn the photos on each card to CD before re-formatting the card, just to be sure. If you're intending to E-mail these back to family or friends, it's a bit impractical for a variety of reasons. You might check LAN'S Sticky Thread at the top of the Computers/Cameras/Phones section at thorntree.lonelyplanet.com as he covers the topic quite well.

I'm not familiar with travelling with a Laptop, as I try to avoid that if at all possible as it's a darn nuisance!!! I find that my PDA and other "accessories" provide all the computing power that I need for travel, and they're much easier to travel with. I haven't analyzed the costs, but my tendency would be to use Net Cafes and dispense with the Laptop.

Also, while I understand your situation and the courses you're taking, I would rather travel and see Europe, rather than sit in front of a monitor working on (boring) lessons. It kind of detracts from the "travel experience" IMHO! You're spending a lot of money to get to Europe, why not enjoy it instead of working on "school".

It doesn't surprise me that Dell wasn't able to provide much information. The "knuckleheaded" advice provided by supposedly knowledgeable customer services people never fails to amaze me! The term "wattage converter" is a good example -- what is that??? What you might need is a Transformer-style Voltage Converter, (as opposed to a solid-state Voltage Converter) but that will depend on the Power Supply that was provided with your Laptop. Check the nameplate data on the power cube, and if it says Power Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz (or something to that effect), then all you'll need is a Plug Adapter to allow the North American style plug to connect to the European style electrical sockets (which vary from country to country). The most common type on "mainland Europe" is the two round pins (but there are others), while the U.K. uses large rectangular pins. A 240VAC Surge Suppressor would be a good idea also (check www.magellans.com for a full description of all the kit you'll need).

While that takes care of the power supply problem, you also might find that connection to Internet sources varies as a number of different plug configurations are used with telephone connections also (provided you were planning on using dial-up connections). If you plan on connecting to high speed (ADSL or whatever), I'm not sure if the Ethernet connection is the same as in North America? You can be sure you're going to be paying for this, perhaps at a rate close to that of using a Net Cafe?

I don't have a great deal of information on what Wi-Fi or Bluetooth options are available in Europe? When I was in Winchester last year, one of the other residents of the Hostel was using a Laptop with wireless connection to check his E-mail, but I didn't ask him if he was being charged for this. It's a Uni town, so I suspect they have fairly good wireless service in that area. However, I've noticed that the "free" Wi-Fi connections seem to be getting a bit scarce here in Canada (if you can even find a hot spot outside the larger centres), as the carriers are now charging for the priviledge of using wireless.

Hope this is some help.

[rocklit]

Eagle, as I posted my question, I was hoping you would read and respond, because I searched through the board and noticed you are the Tech King. Thanks so much for referencing Lonely Planet's Forum. I got the info I needed. Apparently, all I will need is a cheap adapter. I read about and bookmarked lots of websites that indicate where to find free "hotspots" for wireless internet. All my laptop will need is an 802.11 wireless networking card (whatever that is). I noticed the Dell laptops have that.

Eagle, where would you buy a notebook computer? I have a Dell desktop, and I like it so far. What would you suggest? I'm looking to spend around $600 to $700.

Thanks for the help (Jules, too!). Once again, it's truly appreciated

[Eagle]

I can't answer your question completely on "where to buy a Laptop" as I use MAC Computers almost exclusively, and don't plan on buying any Windows PC's -- EVER! However, I believe the main sales avenue for Dell is via Internet orders, and they are able to custom manufacture each computer to the customer's specifications. This might be your best option. I'm sure they have a toll free number -- give them a call (hopefully their sales staff is better informed than the support staff!).

With regard to the wireless, I'm not completely up to speed on that. However, be aware that there are different wireless standards - 801.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc. I'd have to do some checking to find out the difference between them (I think speed is one factor).

Hope this helps.

[dumbdiety]

eagle said:

I use MAC Computers almost exclusively, and don't plan on buying any Windows PC's -- EVER!

See, and I used to like you Eagle... ;D

With regard to the wireless, I'm not completely up to speed on that. However, be aware that there are different wireless standards - 801.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc. I'd have to do some checking to find out the difference between them (I think speed is one factor).

That's pretty much it, the different letters means different speeds. To be safe, I'd go with a card that supports all three (802.11a is actually the latest and 'greatest').
As for laptops, Dell is a good place. Keep checking them though, ecsp. around the holidays. They have some MASSIVE sales. Almost any laptop will do, but I'd try for an ultralight model with built in Wi-Fi. Be careful when you buy though, some models say free Wi-Fi, and then they send you a card to insert in your computer. These WILL get broken sometime during your trip (*cough* I didn't see it on the chair before I sat down...)

[rocklit]

Thanks, Doug ... Dell's notebook computers have internal wireless cards with 802.11a/b/g, 54Mbps, so I should be good to go ... I get my student loans in late August, and my trip to Europe is in October, so I'm buying everything I need (including the laptop) as soon as I get my loans. I also need to buy a freakin digital camera.

[dumbdiety]

Uh oh...you said digital camera....that should attract Eagle and dustoffmom to start posting about it....I hope you like reading! ;D

[Kim]

LOL Too funny, Doug. But DOM is strictly a film kind of girl, believe me I've tried to convert her!

Kim

[Jules80]

what does DOM have against digital cameras? they're so much fun! and you know right away if your pics suck!

[mango]

check your dell before running out and buying an adapter. Most laptops can handle different voltages and cycle speeds without any problems. Mine (a latitude) does 100-240 volts at 50/60Hz. That being the case you only need the power point adapter.

WiFi is pretty widespread in western europe especially around the major centres and densly populated areas. It's generally not free but a lot of bars and cafes do the thing where if you buy a drink you get free wifi...not bad if you ask me, it's a good excuse to go into those cafes Or you can get various offers from the telcos to tap into their hotspots on a pay-as-you-go basis. It's not a bad idea to download a program like Network Stumbler to help you find networks

If you're still looking where to buy one, refurbished is usually a good way to get a piece of kit with factory warranty for about 60% of the retail price.

[dumbdiety]

jules80 said:

what does DOM have against digital cameras? they're so much fun! and you know right away if your pics suck!

She's just a film kinda gal. We've all tried to convert her, but it's like asking Jessica Simpson to answer 1+1: It'll never happen.

[LHR02]

Well, to begin there is this:

"you know right away if your pics suck!"

humbly asserting that my photographs rarely 'suck' these days. ")

I just enjoy the technique, preparation and anticipation of film. Not knowing for sure if I have it right, the metering, the focus, the shutter speed....all these I have to imagine in my mind to get the picture I hope for. It's a mental challenge, and an optical one.

Sure enough, I may find once home with film developed that I had it wrong and did not get the shot I hoped for. But I do love that anticipation and the delight when I actually did get it right!

Sometimes it is just wrong from the get go....last year in Florence I stumbled upon a terrific Renaissance parade and took loads of pics. Unfortunately, not knowing what the day would bring I had B&W film loaded. Were they good shots? Yep...but would have been more effective in color.

I really do 'get it' regarding the advantages of digital, I really do. For me, it is the hunt and the challenge and the wait for that perfect shot that makes me stick to film.