I truly hope that the "wealth of info" everyone has given me helps many other readers on this forum! You all are so helpful!!

Robespierre, you are so great to share your knowledge with us! I must admit some has been a little beyond my realm of knowledge but I am learning and now when I go to shop I am better prepared, thanks to you! I like the idea of the compaq you have, simply because of the price; Also you seem to feel it is light enough to handle while traveling. It does not do GPS though, right? I am renting a GPS for driving. What are the advantages of the Pocket PC over a laptop? I think that after everyones comments the laptop fits my needs more but is there an advantage of having both? Is it correct that I will need a converter? Oh one more thing, someone mentioned that if I left it in the hotel safe that if they put anything on top of it, it might get damaged??? Also do you think it necessary to have a lock? Thank you for your help!

Great info about having the ability of watching DVD
since all the TV programs will be in another language, except for BBC which I really do not think my 12 yr. old will be into.

It does not do GPS though, right? Right. I bought a GPS "locator" bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips. With the rebate, it cost me less than $80.

I am renting a GPS for driving. What are the advantages of the Pocket PC over a laptop? Only portability. I use the laptop for GPS in the car and move the locator to the PPC when walking.

I think that after everyones comments the laptop fits my needs more but is there an advantage of having both? Sure - you don't have to carry a laptop and (mainly) manage its battery life. A laptop has to be hibernated every time you use it or the battery will be depleted quickly. A PPC is instant on-off.

Is it correct that I will need a converter? No - unless you have a hair dryer or curling iron.

Oh one more thing, someone mentioned that if I left it in the hotel safe that if they put anything on top of it, it might get damaged??? I suppose this is possible, but I've never heard of it happening.

Also do you think it necessary to have a lock? No, if you stay at decent hotels.

Robespierre
Date: 01/30/2007, 03:37 pm

<<I paid $400 for my Compaq Presario V2000.>>

I cannot find one for less than $550. Anybody know of any lightweight notebooks for around $500? Don't need any bells and whistles, just a very plain Jane one.

I'm also researching the PPCs after the accolades here, but I'd much rather have a small laptop if I can find one for cheap.

$500 Compaq http://tinyurl.com/2nlvle

Compaq $449 no shipping (in-store) http://tinyurl.com/23m669

Robespierre--
Just a little thanks for being the forum's unofficial "tech" man...I pulled together the forum quotes mentioned in this recent Travel Wire article. http://tinyurl.com/37lye2

As I searched the forums for experiences related to the gadgets our writer highlighted, I realized how much tech advice you've given other posters. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a little shoutout--you've inspired me to consider toting my laptop along on my next trip.

Speaking of which, I bought an iBook last year but haven't taken it anywhere yet as I'm afraid it will still be too heavy. It's funny how relative weight is though-- my first lap top was a Compaq Presario circa 1999. Did anyone have one of these? --- HEAVY!

Sorry to hijack the thread. So I assume that you are taking it along Traveler2?

Shucks. :">

Likewise, Robiespierre. You've been a help to me many times over the years. No matter how infrequently I visit these forums, you are always here.

In regards to the surge protector issues....some laptops have the powersupply built INTO the laptop. It is rare but some models do have it.

So the rule should be, if you have a laptop where you plug it in directly to the wall from your unit...then you might want to consider a power supply.

If on the other hand you have a small square "box" (the power supply) in between the laptop and the wall plug, then that will protect your laptop.

Given that replacement power supplies are 30+ dollars, and might not be readily available for replacement should it fail...if you are in an area that has big power swings (brown outs and surges) then you might want to purchase a surge protector...but unless it is a good one...don't waste your money!

T2 - No you can't take enough sunset shots. And we get some amazing sunsets here in Seattle. Especially down on the waterfront.

And yes, they always had room for my laptop in the hotel safe. I have a small lightwieght(less than 5#) from Dell.

Mab85 - Thank you for the comment at the pbase site. I will shoot you an email about the settings I used for the stained glass and night shots.

Tom

Thanks, Tom :)

Robespierre, You have my admiration! I am so glad to hear others singing your praise. I for one really appreciate all of your help!! In fact I have taken notes for when I go shopping.

Do you feel that the HP has the quality, etc., of say a Dell or? I had a dell PC and liked the service and help I could get by just a call.

I unfortunately have a Mac OSX now, and since this forum is not the appropriate place, I will not vent my frustration, but it does give me concern with reliability and service.

Turnstile, yes I am going to get and take a laptop, thanks to so many that have responded and have alleviated my concerns.

Thanks again.

Your acknowledgement of my contributions here is appreciated. :) You are very welcome.

I have owned one Dell computer, and I won't own another, due to some history that doesn't need to be discussed here.

I have owned two Compaqs and one H-P, and haven't had a single problem with any of them.

Ditto on that recommendation...though my preference is Toshiba...stay AWAY from discount PCs and in particular discount laptops.

It is all about components...and Dell in particular has terrible assembly.

Laptops cram a lot of technology in a small space...so quality is especially critical if you want a machine that operates properly and for a long time.

I still have Pent 1 IBM and Toshiba laptops that are over 5 years old that function with no problems.

If it comes down to price for you....buy a used good name brand from someone reputable on e-bay. You will be better off doing that then buying a brand new Dell or other "clone" new for the same price.

Toshiba, HP, IBM all offer "recertified" equipment on their websites at highly discount rates.

Remember...you get what you pay for!

<<I unfortunately have a Mac OSX now, and since this forum is not the appropriate place, I will not vent my frustration, but it does give me concern with reliability and service. >>

I have owned Macs since the early 80s and have never had any problems at all. Any "how-to" questions were answered and explained by their tech support so even I could understand it.

I took my Mac laptop to Europe for 3 weeks last year and far too many domestic trips, without any problems at all. Security, as well as virus problems, are far less with a Mac than a PC.

Not sure why or what your issues are with a Mac, but I love them.

I also love my MAC. I worked with other systems until a couple of years ago. I would not consider anything else.

My Dell laptops have been fine over the years and I'm rough with my things, I tend to thrash my toys.

My work pays for a 3 yr warranty program, however. So within that 3 year window, I can literally drop my computer or spill coffee on it and Dell will replace it within 24 hours. It can take up to 72 hours if you're not in a major city or in a more remote location. My problems have been minor -- but the service has been great. I call Dell, read them the # on the bottom of my computer and within a few hours, a delivery person comes to my apt, packs it for me and takes it away. It gets back to me within 3 days or less -- pretty amazing.

I will eventually shift over to a Mac -- I already had them replace my PC with a Mac desktop at work. The Mac laptops were much heavier than the small Dells so I'm waiting until they get lighter. I can't carry around anything over 5 lbs.

"The best customer service is not needing customer service."

Sears-Roebuck built a worldwide reputation on quickly replacing for free things that shouldn't have broken in the first place.

The similarity with Dell is astounding.

Thank you Robespierre, I couldn't have put it more eloquently! Buying an expensive new computer means you should not have to drive 100 mi. (1 way) to have warranty work for replacing a super drive that was defective on arrival. Then have to return and pick up; total 400 mi. Then have the same problem; only to find out they said they replaced super drive, but didn't; return computer yet again to replace what should have been done 1st time. All total of 800 mi. However if you pay for an additional $249 for AppleCare protection plan they pay for shipping for warranty work; also it extends the 90 days of telephone support. Oh yes, for an additional $99 you can schedule reservations (which has to be done for warranty work and since I was caught in traffic, had to reschedule for next available and waited 5 1/2 hrs for app.) to "fit your needs".

We feel, if you pay for quality than it is not necessary to pay "additional money to get Quality" and I think that if anyone else had experienced what we have; they would feel as we do about Apple/Mac.

traveler -- sounds like you're having trouble with your Mac? I didn't know they had such bad service. Maybe I won't switch over completely... they're so much more expensive.

I had to send my Dell in because I spilled a drink on the keyboard and it made the keys stick. I sent the other one in because I thought it was getting too hot so they offered to check it for me -- they said it was fine. I like Dell. so far.