Electronic Devices
Oct 29th, 2008, 06:52 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Electronic Devices
Small 10" laptop, GPS device, language translator.
For a prolonged travel vacation, I would think a small laptop might be useful for contact with hotels and information about various tourist sites.
The GPS would provide security so one did not wander into an area and get lost.
In case the above happens, the translator might be useful.
Does anyone use any of these devices? Are they of value? Also, any recommendataions for particular models?
Thank you.
For a prolonged travel vacation, I would think a small laptop might be useful for contact with hotels and information about various tourist sites.
The GPS would provide security so one did not wander into an area and get lost.
In case the above happens, the translator might be useful.
Does anyone use any of these devices? Are they of value? Also, any recommendataions for particular models?
Thank you.
Oct 29th, 2008, 10:42 PM
#2
looking at your other thread about planning a long trip wandering around -- you didn't mention driving. Do you plan on renting cars in all those countries? If not, you won't need a GPS for just walking around cities and using public transport.
If you have a laptop you won't need a language translator - use the laptop on line.
So now you are down to one device - a laptop, small or otherwise. Remember - each of those countries/continents has different electricity issues (both voltage and types of wall plugs.)
If you have a laptop you won't need a language translator - use the laptop on line.
So now you are down to one device - a laptop, small or otherwise. Remember - each of those countries/continents has different electricity issues (both voltage and types of wall plugs.)
Oct 30th, 2008, 10:18 AM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Goldengrain
About 2 months ago I purchased my Acer Aspie One Laptop. OMG, I love the little thing. It is only 9" I believe, comes with built in camera, mic, speakers. The one I purchased is the Windows edition. Approx cost $400. The best part, weight 1kg, yes, only 2.2lbs. I love it. I actually use it more than any other computer we own.
As janisj stated, this takes care of all your other problems too.
About 2 months ago I purchased my Acer Aspie One Laptop. OMG, I love the little thing. It is only 9" I believe, comes with built in camera, mic, speakers. The one I purchased is the Windows edition. Approx cost $400. The best part, weight 1kg, yes, only 2.2lbs. I love it. I actually use it more than any other computer we own.
As janisj stated, this takes care of all your other problems too.
Oct 30th, 2008, 12:21 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You people are so helpful.
As I said, I have time, and who knows how technology will change in a year or two.
Yes, we could rent a car and ride around the countryside a bit, who knows?
I am trying to cover bases.
Thank you for the Acer recommendation. It sounds cute. I may get one to augment my desktop.
Some rental cars, I have heard, are equipped with GPS.
As I said, I have time, and who knows how technology will change in a year or two.
Yes, we could rent a car and ride around the countryside a bit, who knows?
I am trying to cover bases.
Thank you for the Acer recommendation. It sounds cute. I may get one to augment my desktop.
Some rental cars, I have heard, are equipped with GPS.
Nov 21st, 2008, 09:20 AM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like my GPS (TomTom 920). If I'm not driving, I might still want to bring it. It has a bike mode and walking mode. I'm not sure the battery gets good life, however, without being plugged in.
I don't bring a laptop, just too much weight to drag around for a carry-on person.
My wife bought me a translator a few years ago for Christmas. I tried it a few times but found it was harder to use than a pocket dictionary/phrasebook. I try to learn some language before I go so I can hit the ground running. The translator now sits in a drawer because I don't pack it.
Two potential new electronic devices are a cell phone and a digital voice recorder.
I have been using PIN Cards for years but it would be nice to make calls without having to find a pay-phone. My cell phone will work but I'm too cheap to pay $1 per minute to call hotels. I'm considering unlocking my phone and getting a SIM card at a local shop on arrival.
I take a journal on my trips. I'm considering replacing it with a digital voice recorder. The new ones are compatible with voice recognition transcription software. When you get home you can download into a word processing file, edit, add digital pictures and have a nice e-journal. The main thing I'm waiting for is to see someone who uses it and watch it work. Until I'm sure it works as advertised, I don't want to buy.
I don't bring a laptop, just too much weight to drag around for a carry-on person.
My wife bought me a translator a few years ago for Christmas. I tried it a few times but found it was harder to use than a pocket dictionary/phrasebook. I try to learn some language before I go so I can hit the ground running. The translator now sits in a drawer because I don't pack it.
Two potential new electronic devices are a cell phone and a digital voice recorder.
I have been using PIN Cards for years but it would be nice to make calls without having to find a pay-phone. My cell phone will work but I'm too cheap to pay $1 per minute to call hotels. I'm considering unlocking my phone and getting a SIM card at a local shop on arrival.
I take a journal on my trips. I'm considering replacing it with a digital voice recorder. The new ones are compatible with voice recognition transcription software. When you get home you can download into a word processing file, edit, add digital pictures and have a nice e-journal. The main thing I'm waiting for is to see someone who uses it and watch it work. Until I'm sure it works as advertised, I don't want to buy.
Nov 26th, 2008, 07:54 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,605
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We're carryon only people, and I enjoyed my <u>Acer Aspire One</u> this past trip. Got it for $350 at CompUSA sale. Also took a locking security cable for it, and the power cord. The only other electronics we take are our cell phones (add'l batts, no need for chargers)
Nov 26th, 2008, 11:22 AM
#7
It's not a question of right or wrong, just would YOU use it, do YOU need it, are YOU willing to haul the stuff around on your tirp.
For me the answer to all of that is *nope, I am not*.
I get by OK using internet cafes, a map & a phrase book! I don't travel with ANY electronics myself.
For me the answer to all of that is *nope, I am not*.
I get by OK using internet cafes, a map & a phrase book! I don't travel with ANY electronics myself.
Nov 26th, 2008, 11:25 AM
#8
Oops, sorry I didn't recognize your name.
Because of your previous post about the type of trip you are planning, in your situation (going away for a couple years & with no advanced planning) I WOULD in fact consider at least taking the laptop.
Because of your previous post about the type of trip you are planning, in your situation (going away for a couple years & with no advanced planning) I WOULD in fact consider at least taking the laptop.
