Actually, notebook computer is the better term to use. Less than four and a half pounds, 1.5 inches thick. Fits into a nice little lightweight padded case. I put the puter, in its case, on top of my clothes in one of those small carry-on rolling backpacks. Was very easy to handle for the couple of minutes getting through security.

If you aren't staying at a place with high speed internet access then it is not worth taking. Also, it might cost as much, even twice as much (from free up to $11 per day), to use the in-room or wireless access versus the hotel business center. Unlike the business center, though, you will have access to it any time of day, won't have to leave your room, will not have to wait in line, will have a speedy connection and a fast computer.

There are other uses for the notebook. Use it to download pix from your digi-cam to the hard drive. Cut a CD, if you want. I suppose you could record your digital video to DVD. With hi-speed net access you could upload your pictures to your website. Watch videos or play games on the flight.

althom1122,

It really depends on how much of a techie you are, how small your computer is, how important it is for your to stay connected, and whether you are going to be at places with high speed internet.

As I said, I am taking my three pound laptop (smaller than a hard cover book) with me to India. Why? Most of the hotels where I am staying have wi-fi, at least in the lobby. With my computer and a headset, I can call the office via "Skype.com" for $0.02 a minute rather than outrageous rates in India from a land or cell line. (In China, I had a VOIP cell phone that cost only $0.19/min to the US so calling isn't an issue from China) Also, I can upload send postcards of myself in front of famous sites from pictures taken that day to my entire mailing list via "AmazingMail.com" Because the cards are send from the US, my friends and family will get them within a day or so. (note: I have nothing to do with either of these services, I just LOVE them)

I have 10 excellent DVDs that I am taking with me in case I can't sleep on the plane or just want to pass time. I have a y-splitter so that my traveling companion can also watch the DVDs.

Lastly, I can download and backup to DVD all my photos. I can also upload them to my online photo service. Meanwhile you are sitting in a lobby of a beautiful hotel checking your email (and letting other's check theirs)watching people go by. I find it liberating rather than a weight. It allows me to have extended vactions without losing contact with my company (I'm the owner) However, to each their own opinion.

(hey Bob, have you mastered that digital cameral yet ;-)

BostonHarbor, I can understand most of the reasons you want your notebook with you and they are good ones. But calling your office? Aren't you supposed to be on vacation? That is about the last thing I would want to do!

I don't think I'm going to take one, but actually, for me the reason to do so would be more to be able to type up a journal than any other reason - I don't even need internet access - just a word processoring capability. No way will I write out details in long-hand, but if I could type them up, I'd do so. Therein lies the dilemma for me - I just want a glorified pencil, not internet connectivity!

Laurico, It is technology that allows me to take a vacation. When you own your company and have employees and customers who depend on you, going away for nearly four weeks wouldn't happen unless I could stay connected.

Technology relaxes me, it does not stress me. I have fabulous staff, but knowing that they can get hold of me or send me something to take a quick look at lets me have a great time and not worry.

That being said, althom1122, I would never take a computer just for a journal--get a nice journal and a fun pen and enjoy your trip!

I'm with you, Boston Harbor. Owning your own business, it's really vitally important to be able to stay in touch with home. We get emails from our store, with photos of new inventory and other important happenings that need attention sooner rather than later. Our employees understand that we are on vacation, but know that we want to know about important things that are happening back at home.

I have a phone, but don't usually get calls from home. I have the phone for staying in touch with BKK friends and others who are traveling in our (usual) group of 4-8 people. The phone with a SIM card from MBK makes it easy for everyone to connect for dinner or shopping or sightseeing.

I like being able to download my new photos to my laptop daily, therefore freeing up space on my memory card. I don't do my journal on my laptop. I'm a longhand journal writer. I also do sketches of hotel rooms and/or apartments plus weather and dining notes.

Carol

For those of you who only need the laptop for storing your photos, a portable digital storage device is a much easier alternative. We used ours for the first time on a trip this fall.
It's small and lightweight and holds 40 GB (!). We stored about 1400 photos and only used up 1.8GB. This avoids taking extra memory cards and allows you to view the photos on a larger LCD than the camera.

BostonHarbor, okay, you're off the hook ;-) I can fully understand the need to stay in touch when you have your own business.

WE don't have a laptop yet, but are getting one and my husband thinks we are taking it when we travel..And I absolutely do not want to take it, unless it is just a short trip within Canada or the U.S.
Part of the fun of travel is looking for internet and not knowing what is going on...I too leave my cell phone at home..If anyone wants to talk to me, they can email me or phone me at the contact numbers that i leave behind..I like to be "out of touch with the real world" when i travel!!