Nerd Husband Wants To Take Lap-Top. Geeky or Good Idea?
Dec 18th, 2005, 07:48 AM
#21
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Hi B,
>If he brings it, will he carry it the entire time? Ha, ha! He packs twice as much as I do, and usually takes two suitcases. So, hello laptop, you and me will be very close friends this trip.<
Oh, this is terrible. 2 suitcases and the laptop.
Next trip 2 suitcases, a laptop, a carryon and a camera bag.
Then 2 suitcases, a laptop, a carryon, a camera bag, a tennis racket and a gym bag.
Your husband needs help, NOW!
>If he brings it, will he carry it the entire time? Ha, ha! He packs twice as much as I do, and usually takes two suitcases. So, hello laptop, you and me will be very close friends this trip.<
Oh, this is terrible. 2 suitcases and the laptop.
Next trip 2 suitcases, a laptop, a carryon and a camera bag.
Then 2 suitcases, a laptop, a carryon, a camera bag, a tennis racket and a gym bag.
Your husband needs help, NOW!
Dec 18th, 2005, 08:26 AM
#22
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you know, Brenda, you didn't say anything about the issue of security for your husband's laptop when you posted your question.
So why expect responses about that?
Since you apparently care about your husband, let him take his laptop and enjoy your trip. Maybe try to find humor in something that doesn't attempt to make him look silly in public
So why expect responses about that?
Since you apparently care about your husband, let him take his laptop and enjoy your trip. Maybe try to find humor in something that doesn't attempt to make him look silly in public
Dec 18th, 2005, 08:56 AM
#23
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Brenda, I am thinking perhaps it would be a good idea for you to start a new thread that solely addresses security because otherwise we are going to be having this ongoing critique about your language about your husband and how he likes to pack!
In case that doesn't happen, here are my questions/opinions....
1) If he wants to take it, then go for it! Downloading pictures along the way has really been a blessing to DH and me because then we can label the pics as we travel from one place to the next--before we forget which pic was of what.
2) If he's happy when he gets some gametime and you can find ways to be happy during that time, too, then what would be the problem? (If my sweet husband balked at my packing books on a trip, it would be terribly difficult for me!)
3) As far as security, my husband and I were travelling (sp?) in Eastern Europe and had similar concerns with his laptop. It did not fit in the in-room safe, and we had to be creative. Will you have a rental car? What sorts of accomodation will you be using?
(If you start a different thread, just answer these questions there. I'll keep my eyes open!) Good luck!
In case that doesn't happen, here are my questions/opinions....
1) If he wants to take it, then go for it! Downloading pictures along the way has really been a blessing to DH and me because then we can label the pics as we travel from one place to the next--before we forget which pic was of what.
2) If he's happy when he gets some gametime and you can find ways to be happy during that time, too, then what would be the problem? (If my sweet husband balked at my packing books on a trip, it would be terribly difficult for me!)
3) As far as security, my husband and I were travelling (sp?) in Eastern Europe and had similar concerns with his laptop. It did not fit in the in-room safe, and we had to be creative. Will you have a rental car? What sorts of accomodation will you be using?
(If you start a different thread, just answer these questions there. I'll keep my eyes open!) Good luck!
Dec 18th, 2005, 09:05 AM
#24
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When I travel on business I take a laptop. I don't like traveling with a laptop becuase it's a pain in the butt to carry around. However if I were traveling with someone else who is willing to carry it for me, then that would be OK.
One of two things will happen. Either he will get sick of carrying it around and wish he'd never brought it, or he will get a lot of good use from it and he will be glad. In either case, it's no skin off your nose since he is the one who will have to lug it around. So why not consider this a travel experiment? You never know, perhaps you will be glad to have it along.
One of two things will happen. Either he will get sick of carrying it around and wish he'd never brought it, or he will get a lot of good use from it and he will be glad. In either case, it's no skin off your nose since he is the one who will have to lug it around. So why not consider this a travel experiment? You never know, perhaps you will be glad to have it along.
Dec 18th, 2005, 09:06 AM
#25
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Bela,
<you know, Brenda, you didn't say anything about the issue of security for your husband's laptop when you posted your question.
So why expect responses about that?>
True...maybe I should have wrote in my original post that I was worried about securing a safe place for a laptop. But I did say:
<lugging the laptop everywhere with us>
Hmmm...if we are not lugging it with us, then we must find a place for it, right?
That sort of goes hand in hand.
<Maybe try to find humor in something that doesn't attempt to make him look silly in public.>
Say what? I don't recall giving names, company phone numbers or saying, hey, we will be in London on this day, come see the dude carrying a laptop. OMG, wait, do you guys know him? Have I made him look silly in public?
Janisj - thanks for the laugh!
<(I didn't read your message as slamming him but some of the other geeks on board did)>
<My question is - has he travelled a lot w/ his laptop before?>
Uh, no, he has never traveled with the laptop before.
Still, safe housing of the laptop remains a problem so we will just have to see what sort of security our accomadations have when we arrive, or we will be <lugging it everywhere> with us.
<you know, Brenda, you didn't say anything about the issue of security for your husband's laptop when you posted your question.
So why expect responses about that?>
True...maybe I should have wrote in my original post that I was worried about securing a safe place for a laptop. But I did say:
<lugging the laptop everywhere with us>
Hmmm...if we are not lugging it with us, then we must find a place for it, right?
That sort of goes hand in hand.
<Maybe try to find humor in something that doesn't attempt to make him look silly in public.>
Say what? I don't recall giving names, company phone numbers or saying, hey, we will be in London on this day, come see the dude carrying a laptop. OMG, wait, do you guys know him? Have I made him look silly in public?
Janisj - thanks for the laugh!
<(I didn't read your message as slamming him but some of the other geeks on board did)>
<My question is - has he travelled a lot w/ his laptop before?>
Uh, no, he has never traveled with the laptop before.
Still, safe housing of the laptop remains a problem so we will just have to see what sort of security our accomadations have when we arrive, or we will be <lugging it everywhere> with us.
Dec 18th, 2005, 09:50 AM
#26
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None of the suggested alternatives posted so far will give you the capacities of a laptop. Burning cds and the asus storage device listed do not give you the convenience of viewing and captioning your pictures. So you won't know until you are home whether you left the lens cap on or not.
Its much more convenient to have your trip plans on a computer than in reams of paper and books.
As to security, I would just not leave the laptop anywhere. Get a shoulder bag and use it for incidentals, including your camera, your passports, your map, and your laptop. I actually carry both my and my wife's things in a shoulder bag, and its not an inconvenience.
Its much more convenient to have your trip plans on a computer than in reams of paper and books.
As to security, I would just not leave the laptop anywhere. Get a shoulder bag and use it for incidentals, including your camera, your passports, your map, and your laptop. I actually carry both my and my wife's things in a shoulder bag, and its not an inconvenience.
Dec 18th, 2005, 10:36 AM
#27
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I agree that it's <i>his</i> decision to take it along (or anything else, for that matter), and that it's <i>yours</i> whether to carry any of it. For myself, the pros outweigh the cons, so I travel with one.
Some basic precautions:
1. Back up any data you can't afford to lose, and leave the backup at home. In addition to being stolen, computers <u>can</u> get irremediably broken, you know.
2. Encrypt any sensitive data you need to have on the machine (keeping in mind that Windows XP Pro encryption is a joke). I have a PCMCIA device with a scrambler in it; the key is on a SmartCard that I carry separately.
3a. Install a security cable that will lock your computer to something immobile so you can leave it when you go out.
- or-
3b. Get a compact notebook such as the Fujitsu LifeBook P1000, and slip it into your jacket pocket.
Some basic precautions:
1. Back up any data you can't afford to lose, and leave the backup at home. In addition to being stolen, computers <u>can</u> get irremediably broken, you know.
2. Encrypt any sensitive data you need to have on the machine (keeping in mind that Windows XP Pro encryption is a joke). I have a PCMCIA device with a scrambler in it; the key is on a SmartCard that I carry separately.
3a. Install a security cable that will lock your computer to something immobile so you can leave it when you go out.
- or-
3b. Get a compact notebook such as the Fujitsu LifeBook P1000, and slip it into your jacket pocket.
Dec 18th, 2005, 10:46 AM
#28
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<<Have I made him look silly in public?>>
This forum IS the public. Anyone anywhere in the world who has access to the Internet can read the Fodors forum. (But I think most of us don't think of your husband as silly.)
This forum IS the public. Anyone anywhere in the world who has access to the Internet can read the Fodors forum. (But I think most of us don't think of your husband as silly.)
Dec 18th, 2005, 11:17 AM
#29
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Brenda51, not to worry, I understand that your reference to your husband as a geek wasn't meant unkindly (especially since I'm married to one myself.) But if you refer to an idea you clearly dislike as 'geeky', then that muddies the waters. It doesn't describe what's wrong with your husband's idea in such a way that it emphasizes what needs of his and/or yours it won't fill.
By the same token, your respondents have been also guilty of making comments that don't indicate how you can meet those needs. With or without marriage counselling; or whether you refer to your husband as a geek or a leek, losing the laptop would be just as financially disastrous. In short, it sounds like all of us, poster and respondents, need to remember to STICK TO THE POINT.
Brenda, it sounds like you might need a BATNA - Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. In other words, if your husband insists on taking the laptop, you need to address the issues raised as best as possible. Perhaps you could find out if the laptop is covered under your household insurance, or consider taking out additional baggage insurance. Knowing your liability is reduced might lighten your worry load a bit.
Good luck with your problem-solving.
By the same token, your respondents have been also guilty of making comments that don't indicate how you can meet those needs. With or without marriage counselling; or whether you refer to your husband as a geek or a leek, losing the laptop would be just as financially disastrous. In short, it sounds like all of us, poster and respondents, need to remember to STICK TO THE POINT.
Brenda, it sounds like you might need a BATNA - Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. In other words, if your husband insists on taking the laptop, you need to address the issues raised as best as possible. Perhaps you could find out if the laptop is covered under your household insurance, or consider taking out additional baggage insurance. Knowing your liability is reduced might lighten your worry load a bit.
Good luck with your problem-solving.
Dec 18th, 2005, 12:07 PM
#30
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Look around the airport and you will see that laptops are ubiquitous, and it is not all business travelers toting those puppies. I used to leave it at home but since newer models are lighter and easier to schlep I now usually take mine on leisure travel, for the reasons cited above - uploading photos, accessing local info from my hotel room while sipping coffee in my jammies, email, gettting flight info without having to endure bad hold music on the phone, and (Hi, my name is Seamus and I am a workaholic) checking in with the office. I pack it, I carry it, I tend to its safety, I keep it charged. We all benefit from my being able to go online and get local info and tickets, change flights, etc.
Many hotels now have room safes specifically designed to accommodte laptops. In the one or two instances where I did not feel it was OK to leave it in my room I left it at the front desk for safekeeping, just as with any other valuable item; never had a problem.
Sorry can't comment on your relationship issues, but would offer this to those who feel compelled to do so: Can you say projection?
Many hotels now have room safes specifically designed to accommodte laptops. In the one or two instances where I did not feel it was OK to leave it in my room I left it at the front desk for safekeeping, just as with any other valuable item; never had a problem.
Sorry can't comment on your relationship issues, but would offer this to those who feel compelled to do so: Can you say projection?
Dec 18th, 2005, 12:49 PM
#31
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Seamus -
thanks for the reply. I understand that there are lots of people who take laptops and get a lot of use out of them during their holiday (or for you: work!).
By posting this issue I was simply wondering if it was worth his 8 hours of game play on the plane and nightly downloading of pictures for the laptop's security and extra baggage.
I, too, can definitely see <projection> throughout many of the responses! Yikes!
Next time, I will go the politically correct avenue and use this heading (for MacPrague
):
Handsome and Smart Husband Wants To Take Laptop. Your comments, please.
thanks for the reply. I understand that there are lots of people who take laptops and get a lot of use out of them during their holiday (or for you: work!).
By posting this issue I was simply wondering if it was worth his 8 hours of game play on the plane and nightly downloading of pictures for the laptop's security and extra baggage.
I, too, can definitely see <projection> throughout many of the responses! Yikes!
Next time, I will go the politically correct avenue and use this heading (for MacPrague
):Handsome and Smart Husband Wants To Take Laptop. Your comments, please.
Dec 18th, 2005, 03:08 PM
#32
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Brenda-
I'll revise my response to mirror your own choice of descriptive words out of respect for you.
I hope you and your "nerd husband" have a nice time in the UK, and if he chooses to play "his geeky role-playing computer games" on the plane, and you end up both "lugging the laptop everywhere", surely a "lame idea"- then so be it.
I would repeat the practical alternatives I suggested earlier, but that would just look silly in public! I have no other suggestions for your husband, assuming that he's an adult who makes his own decisions about this issue.
As far as projecting, In my case, there is no "nerd husband" to speak of, so that idea is a bit farfetched. My brother is a computer guy though, but I usually refer to him as a techie, not a nerd- not for any politcally correct reason, but because it describes him better.
Really, hope you find some way to enjoy a few laughs in the UK together- and who knows, maybe your nerd husband likes that label!!!
best regards to both of you- in good H U M O U R ( uk spelling of the word)
I'll revise my response to mirror your own choice of descriptive words out of respect for you.
I hope you and your "nerd husband" have a nice time in the UK, and if he chooses to play "his geeky role-playing computer games" on the plane, and you end up both "lugging the laptop everywhere", surely a "lame idea"- then so be it.
I would repeat the practical alternatives I suggested earlier, but that would just look silly in public! I have no other suggestions for your husband, assuming that he's an adult who makes his own decisions about this issue.
As far as projecting, In my case, there is no "nerd husband" to speak of, so that idea is a bit farfetched. My brother is a computer guy though, but I usually refer to him as a techie, not a nerd- not for any politcally correct reason, but because it describes him better.
Really, hope you find some way to enjoy a few laughs in the UK together- and who knows, maybe your nerd husband likes that label!!!
best regards to both of you- in good H U M O U R ( uk spelling of the word)
Dec 18th, 2005, 05:06 PM
#33
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My boyfriend insisted on bringing his laptop to London for 4 days - I thought he was nuts - then we used it every day. It was great to have - even if it was just for finding restaurants and shows to go to. He did have a problem with the cables in the hotel though. We wound up having to scout around for a computer store to get the right ones.
Dec 18th, 2005, 05:09 PM
#34
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Brenda - Ira is right. Let him bring it if he wants but just like the dog, it's his responsibility...but then we all know how that works!
The real question for him may be to review how you will be traveling. If you are going to be parking with luggage in the car a lot, maybe not worth it. If you only have a few home bases, then maybe fine.
I bought one for my recent trip then did not bring it. It was a good choice since I only wore my backpack half a day since it was too hot. Suggest to him that he may just want to bring some CD-R disks for downloading at the hotel or internet cafes
The real question for him may be to review how you will be traveling. If you are going to be parking with luggage in the car a lot, maybe not worth it. If you only have a few home bases, then maybe fine.
I bought one for my recent trip then did not bring it. It was a good choice since I only wore my backpack half a day since it was too hot. Suggest to him that he may just want to bring some CD-R disks for downloading at the hotel or internet cafes
Dec 18th, 2005, 10:55 PM
#35
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The comments from others worried that your husband might not get the most out of his travels because he opts to spend time playing on his lap top made me laugh.
I distinctly remember sitting across from a newly wed yuppie-type couple at CDG while waiting for the plane to load...it was obvious the husband, old-enough-to-know-better but totally clueless, was ignoring his young and very p---sed off bride in preference for his games. I remember thinking, "Well, I don't give this one much hope".
My husband always brings his laptop and I love it. Each day's pix get downloaded. We lay together each night and revisit the day's events and go over the special moments. I write my journal on it. Since we are gone longer than a month at a time usually, he pays bills online with it. We email family every few days with pix so my parents, now too old to travel, get in on the fun. My husband, who doesn't speak a lot of French gets overwhelmed sometimes and enjoys a movie in English while on a train, in an airport or at the hotel. It sort of gives him a break from foreign culture overload. He doesn't subsitute it for the travel experience, but as an adjunct.
As to security, nothing is ever 100% certain in life. We leave it locked in our trunk (leased car) or in the hotel room and don't obsess any further. The enjoyment it brings us far outweighs the risk. And he's never asked me to carry it or do the security inspection routine for him. What a sweetie!
So, Brenda51. The question for you is, which end of the spectrum would your husband be on? The unfeeling lout or the good guy who just needs a break during down-time?
I distinctly remember sitting across from a newly wed yuppie-type couple at CDG while waiting for the plane to load...it was obvious the husband, old-enough-to-know-better but totally clueless, was ignoring his young and very p---sed off bride in preference for his games. I remember thinking, "Well, I don't give this one much hope".
My husband always brings his laptop and I love it. Each day's pix get downloaded. We lay together each night and revisit the day's events and go over the special moments. I write my journal on it. Since we are gone longer than a month at a time usually, he pays bills online with it. We email family every few days with pix so my parents, now too old to travel, get in on the fun. My husband, who doesn't speak a lot of French gets overwhelmed sometimes and enjoys a movie in English while on a train, in an airport or at the hotel. It sort of gives him a break from foreign culture overload. He doesn't subsitute it for the travel experience, but as an adjunct.
As to security, nothing is ever 100% certain in life. We leave it locked in our trunk (leased car) or in the hotel room and don't obsess any further. The enjoyment it brings us far outweighs the risk. And he's never asked me to carry it or do the security inspection routine for him. What a sweetie!
So, Brenda51. The question for you is, which end of the spectrum would your husband be on? The unfeeling lout or the good guy who just needs a break during down-time?
Dec 18th, 2005, 11:00 PM
#36
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Unless I specifically need a computer for lengthy period of time I would not take it with me. It's one more thing to worry about. And, unlike anything else, if it is stolen there are further security implications with sensitive documents and data contained on the laptop.
Buy more memory cards for the camera, and leave it at home. Also, I'd find that I never have time to spend on a computer when travelling. Furthermore, travelling is my escape from the computer!
Try and live without a computer for two weeks.
Buy more memory cards for the camera, and leave it at home. Also, I'd find that I never have time to spend on a computer when travelling. Furthermore, travelling is my escape from the computer!
Try and live without a computer for two weeks.
Dec 19th, 2005, 03:53 AM
#37
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After reading all this I simply had to buy this 60€ gadget:
Vosonic VP2160 X-Drive II+
http://www.memorylabs.net/vovpxiien12.html
Battery operated, working with all cards weight: 230 grams incl. battery and disk.
Vosonic VP2160 X-Drive II+
http://www.memorylabs.net/vovpxiien12.html
Battery operated, working with all cards weight: 230 grams incl. battery and disk.
Dec 19th, 2005, 04:34 AM
#38
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...and that old story about the so-called "nerd" husband who had his nose buried in the laptop screen and the adoring but feeling-a-bit-insufficient spouse was becoming <b>very</b> concerned that he was spending too much time with 'it' and not enough time with her ("What ARE you looking at...?" until she impulsively wrenched the screen away from him to see who, or what, was garnering so much of his attention.
Imagine her surprise when the image on the screen turned out to be of....<b>her</b>.
I'll leave the big decision on this one to you alone but I know what I would do...have a nice trip.
until she impulsively wrenched the screen away from him to see who, or what, was garnering so much of his attention.Imagine her surprise when the image on the screen turned out to be of....<b>her</b>.
I'll leave the big decision on this one to you alone but I know what I would do...have a nice trip.
Dec 19th, 2005, 04:36 PM
#39
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DH takes his on all travel- business and pleasure alike as he would be buried at work when he came home if he didn't. But it has work related info only... no personal account info to worry about. If it gets lost or stolen the company covers the loss.
On a recent trip he only brought his Blackberry and I had major withdrawl issues. I didn't know he wasn't taking the laptop so I didn't take hard copies of all the restaurant info I planned to access while on the trip.
When we ski, we use the laptop every morning to check out the resort website to view grooming reports and which runs are opening for the day.
On a recent trip he only brought his Blackberry and I had major withdrawl issues. I didn't know he wasn't taking the laptop so I didn't take hard copies of all the restaurant info I planned to access while on the trip.
When we ski, we use the laptop every morning to check out the resort website to view grooming reports and which runs are opening for the day.
Dec 20th, 2005, 07:59 AM
#40
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Just want to point out that there are lots of Internet cafes, from which to get your Internet fix. And get information/email reservations.
A laptop would not be safe from theft in a hotel room or car trunk.
If there's a choice between the laptop and another memory card, think how much smaller and lighter the latter is.
But if he will carry it, along with all his other luggage, and safeguard it all, it's his responsibility.
About those computer games, is he addicted?
A laptop would not be safe from theft in a hotel room or car trunk.
If there's a choice between the laptop and another memory card, think how much smaller and lighter the latter is.
But if he will carry it, along with all his other luggage, and safeguard it all, it's his responsibility.
About those computer games, is he addicted?
