Should I take my laptop with me?
Replies: 19 - Last Post: Jan 12, 2013 4:01 PM Last Post By: thelaughingman
jump to
Should I take my laptop with me?
Hi all!I am soon travelling solo through Asia and into Australia for a gap year, but I am unsure if I should take a laptop with me.
I know there are internet cafes, but I like the idea of having my own laptop to download photos, work on my blog, keep in touch withy friends and family. Or do you think carrying a laptop is extra hastle, and will make me a target for thiefs?
Any advice would be great! Also, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do about taking a mobile phone with me?
Cheers!!
3
I took my netbook last trip (an HP mini) and it was the best move. Was able to skype son back in NZ on a regular basis from the deck of a beach side bungalow.6
I take my small netbook, which I can backup photos, edit photos and make them a smaller file size for emailing, and writing up emails in word when having breakfast etc for then putting onto USB to cut and paste when on line at internet cafe. Also had a pdf copy of Lonely Planet on netbook, but found it a pain to access particulary if on the streets, my borrowed hardcopy was a million times more fuctional.7
I like the German guide book. More and Better maps of places and temples. (Stefan Loose Reiseführer Myanmar)10
Never use a public computer for anything that requires a password, especially email or especially banking, or a credit card.The average laptop is just too heavy to carry around on your back for weeks on end. Go for a high-end phone or a small tablet (the iPad mini might be perfect).
I also brought a wireless keyboard. It weighs almost nothing and makes large-scale typing (I tried to write at least 1000 words a day) more feasible.
12
I had galaxy tab 7.0 inch before and now is NoteII. They are very useful to take in the short trip but as long as your trip i would take my laptop,too. I never see people complain about they lost their laptop but many people say they lost their phone. Cause you always take phone, money in your hand or put in your pocket so it is easier target for the thief than your laptop in your backpack. Just dont use laptop in the train, bus station, inside taxi or the public area so the thief can see it or sometime you will forget. just use to download and watch movie and work when you are staying in the hotel then it safe14
I'd leave the laptop at home if it's not necessary. If you can bring a phone that can use viber or skype then you can keep in contact for minimal cost. In Vietnam, carriers like Viettel offer cheap monthly rates on phone/internet packages ~40,000 vnd (2usd) for the package. I have the MiMax package and pay 100,000vnd / mo (just buy a simcard, plug into unlocked smartphone, and top up with a pre-paid card (sim the {tay} in VNse) for 100,000vnd per card.Google up the carrier and add '3g internet' and translate it for explanations on how to activate the plan, usually by calling in a series of numbers like *191 then texting MiMax etc...
Hope this helps!
