I have a really hard time being away from my computer for extended period of time... I know, that's a problem, but it's the truth. This is my first trip to CR and I'm just wondering if it's worth taking, wondering if I will be so busy with the activities and so wiped out when I return to the room that I won't ever look at it. I'm also concerned about theft. It's a mini, weighing less than 2 pounds, so the weight is not an issue. Also wondering about video camera---yes or no, or should I just bring along a digital? Left to my own devices I could easily have a bag dedicated to nothing but electronics. Not a good idea.














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Personally I would not bother with a laptop as you are trying to cram a lot into four short days. Many hotels have computers for guests to use in their lobbies. You are only there for a limited time and there is much to see and do in Arenal. Your e-mail will be waiting for you back home....I have a hard time being away from a computer also, but on this last trip (17 days) I made myself stay away from the hotel computers, relaxed and enjoyed the heck out of Costa Rica!

I wouldn't bring a separate video if your digital camera has a video setting. I always forget about the video option, but have accidentally shot videos of my knees, feet, the floor, pretty exciting stuff.

What would be the purpose of having your lap top? For business or to touch bases with friends? Personally, I don't like to travel with a lap top.

I'll second (or is it 'third'?) Hip and Colibri on not bringing the laptop. It's just one extra thing to lug around, and you'll probably be plenty busy each day with sight-seeing and activities. I <i>wish</i> we had had more downtime in Arenal to enjoy our hotel grounds, but it's a location that offers a lot to do, and we were always on the go.

We did take along a video camera on our trips and were glad we did, but it's really personal preference. We got some great wildlife footage that made it worth our while (as well as plenty of the type of shots Colibri mentions; feet, floor, etc... ).

We have been to CR four times and always take a laptop (which I need for work because I can't download on hotel computers). Just returned from Belize - brought it with us there as well.

What you're saying makes a lot of sense, but to be honest, I'm still on the fence and leaning towards probably not. How about security? I have read that many hotels have safes, but to be honest I have never been completly convinced that hotel staff doesn't have access to those.

I take my laptop everywhere I go. Even to Colombia. It's worth the hassle of lugging it around. It's enabled me to use Priceline to get a cheap room when it's become obvious I'm going to be 'stranded' in some city instead of getting home.

I don't worry about security. I put it out of sight, and have never had any problems. If it gets stolen, it can be replaced.

free cheap internet everywhere theft risk insure if you bring

for a few days would not take the risk...

If it was a longer trip, I'd say "sure take it", but for just a few days seems like an awful lot of bother for the use you'd get out of it.

Ok...I'm convinced. Thanks, all.