Hi,
Just wondering if it makes sense to bring a little notebook computer on a month-long trip to Germany. I travel with one carry-on bag only and have always relied on internet cafes but found on recent trips to France that they're not always easy to find in smaller towns.

I would be using the computer for a bit of trip planning, although 95 percent of my accommodation is already booked. It would be mainly to keep in touch, access travel info, book castle or museum passes, etc.

I plan to spend time in smaller towns in Germany. Are there free wifi hotspots, or do you have to pay for access everywhere you go?

Many thanks for any advice.

I carry my netbook on every trip, but it only weighs 2 pounds. I travel solo a lot so I also use it to watch movies at night. I have noticed that there are fewer internet cafes in the areas where I stay, probably due to wifi.

We travel with our computer because DH likes to download his photos and work on them while we are traveling.

Access to the internet in Germany, especially in small towns, can be hit or miss. Even when we stay in hotels that advertise internet access, sometimes there are connection problems or the charges are outrageous.

If you're willing to spend 25€ for the month and own or buy an usb "surfstick", you will get a fast HSDPA internet connection (almost) anywhere in Germany.

http://www.fonic.de

I took my netbook to Germany and used it extensively to look at train and bus schedules, opening hours, routes to take, etc. My budget hotel had free wifi.

Thanks, everyone. It sounds like I'd be wise to make room for the computer. Thanks for the surfstick idea too, logos999. I'll check that out. Between the computer, the iPod, the charger and the GPS, it looks like I'll have just enough space for some socks, but they'll be nice socks.
Cheers!