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rocnplaya · 05-13-2005, 08:48 AM

should I relie on pcs in hostels or cafe's?

**TimmyJames1976** · 05-13-2005, 09:17 AM

I'd say it depends on how long you are traveling, where you will be, and what exactly do you need it for. I would love to take mine, but it just doesn't make sense for my short urban heavy trip in W. Europe.

**GoKrazy** · 05-13-2005, 11:26 AM

TJ is right - if you're gonna be in urban areas then I'd leave the laptop behind. It's one less thing to worry about and one less thing to carry around. I was considering taking a laptop too, but the only thing I'd be really using it for it uploading pictures and writing home - so I'm opting not to take one and simply stick to internet cafes for e-mail and uploading pix.

melpacifica · 05-13-2005, 12:11 PM

agreed. I know you might be attached to your machine, but after awhile without it, you won't miss it, REALLY. But. if you'll be away long... actually, even then. I changed my mind, leave it behind, it's just an extra load!

**kyle j** · 05-15-2005, 07:21 PM

Ok this is an offshoot of that question but I know some of you are much more computer savvy than I and I was wondering what should I look for in a decent laptop, I mean I am pretty sure I will buy one before I leave in august andf I dont need one that too fancy but Im looking for something pretty nice but the cheaper the better too, didnt know if you guys had suggestions for something that is reliable and quality and not too costly or any components you think are a must have? Any help would be great

**space virgin** · 05-15-2005, 07:53 PM

^Well, normally I'd say you should go for an Apple iBook (or better yet PowerBook), but if money is your bottom line you're better off getting a Dell. Dude.

**d_fresh** · 05-16-2005, 04:32 AM

i wouldn't bother with a laptop....too much extra weight and just something else to worry about.

**TimmyJames1976** · 05-16-2005, 05:46 AM

I got a refurb from these guys...

Geeks

**kingcrazylegs** · 05-16-2005, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by space virgin@May 15 2005, 09:52 PM
^Well, normally I'd say you should go for an Apple iBook (or better yet PowerBook), but if money is your bottom line you're better off getting a Dell.* Dude.*

I am extremely satisfied with my Dell (Inspiron 1500). I got an upgraded screen for viewing DVDs and pics, and I use it as my stereo, photo-album, etc. A powerbook would be nice, but it is really more than I need.

**MeTurk** · 05-17-2005, 03:29 AM

Quote:

what should I look for in a decent laptop

If it's for while your on the road I'd stay away from the likes of dell and especially apple. What you want is a Panasonic (I think it's them) toughbook. The insides might be a bit behind the times but it's a rugged book designed to offer the basics to arcitects and the like when they would visit sites.

Basically look for strength and relieability not looks and speed. Theres notebooks out there specifically designed for that market. And you'll be able to get them second hand easy enough I'd say, because companys would renew there computers for no good reason.

Roc, I'd leave your PC behind unless your writing a book or someit.

**kyle j** · 05-17-2005, 04:04 PM

Well I solved my problem, my mother was gracious enough to offer up her viao, which was right in my price range, FREE! so I no longer have to blow a bunch of money on a computer and now can blow it on booze and love hotels....

**The Monsignor** · 06-05-2005, 04:39 AM

Literally, the only thing I use my laptop for (on the road) is downloading photos and emailing home. Otherwise, I'll listen to music or watch the occasional DVD, but on the road, I don't really have time to use it. If I'm long term, or travelling while working, I consider my laptop invaluable. I do some graphics work, photo editing, and general messing around to fill the down time.

The downfall to not having my laptop is that when my camera's memory gets full, I've nowhere to send it. I use an 8MP camera for the good pictures, so the file size is massive on it. (photobucket is out of the question, and I spend a long time in an internet cafe if i try to download it all, anyhow) There is where the laptop is handy. It just becomes a pain to lug it around everywhere I go (it's just too tempting a target in a hostel!)

I have a 13 inch iBook G3 (older one) but it's just fantastic for doing everything I want on the road in a compact package. The geek in me wishes for a much larger screen though.

For traveling, though, I think I'd just rather have more memory cards (my 2gb microdrive is 100 bucks a piece) or a pocket hard-drive (60gb one is about $160-180) and use a rental computer to transfer it. Much more durable than a laptop, anyhow.

**SuDz** · 06-15-2005, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Monsignor@Jun 5 2005, 06:38 AM
I have a 13 inch iBook G3 (older one) but it's just fantastic for doing everything I want on the road in a compact package.* The geek in me wishes for a much larger screen though.

Just think of it this way, the 13 inch screen just saves space in your backpack

SuDZ