|
The best laptop !
Hallo all of you,-
In your opinion, wich laptop is the best to take with you on a RTW trip ? It has to be lightweiht, small and strong. |
Welcome!
don't know yet if this is the right choice, but i'm taking my Mac 12" Powerbook. It's already survived the "drop test", and it's aluminum case easily bends or dents, absorbing impact. My laptap was so bent, one corner was 1/2" off the table...just bend it back into place and good to go. The nice thing about mac is parts are easy to find on the internet (E-Bay) and are quite cheap. You don't have to worry about virus protection and all that PC crap. I bring an extra cord with me and plug in at internet cafe's...they usually don't mind. If your doing photo's and web blogs, the Mac is super simple. As far as durability goes, well, any computer can get seriously damaged from vibrations, so get a neoprene sleave and pack it well Remember to have everything on back-up in case you need to replace a harddrive. |
panasonic toughbook series?
|
Panasonic Toughbook CF-18
Notebook sized and very hardy, taken mine across Southern Africa on numerous occasions and its had some bumps, survived the dust and had a my cold beer split on it...lost the beer though - next feature of toughbooks = design should be a funnel to drain the beer back into the can
Ben :) |
laptop for travelling
I have had a 14" iBook for the last three years and it has survived a fair bit of travelling and a few drops here and there. A friend who runs a Mac dealership recommends the iBook (now called the MacBook) over the PowerBook ( now called MacBook Pro) , mainly because the body is stronger.
If i was just getting one for travelling, then i'g get the 12" for sure, but i use mine as my main work machine, so the 14" screen is better for day to day use. But if you only want to use it for email, photos and uploading to HU website (plug plug) then do you really need a laptop? there are plenty of good devices that are smaller and probably cheaper. What ever you decide on, it will probably do the job fine. Here are some things that i found useful to: * Buying new and having an extended warranty (three years), this way if it really packs it in then you can ship it off, get it fixed or replaced and only pay for frieght. They are pretty cheap new, and if you buy second hand one how are you to know that some loony has not carted it around the world on a motorbike? * A DVD burner would be good (i don't have one) but most new ones do. * A Lacie external hard-drive that is USB powered, a 100Gig one is about $200 (Aust) and getting cheaper all the time. No power cords to carry. * I use a iPod shuffle for music and my USB key. Just dump what you want to listen to and off you go on a random musical journey. Battery life is great, but you do need to charge from a computer. but again no power cord. * Wireless internet - there are two main types, one is where you just use a LAN (Local Area Network) and go on the net through a base station. It is amazing how many free networks there are, mostly from unsecured systems in people houses and offices, most of the commercial ones are expensive. The other wireless systems are the card-in-the-computer version that go out on the mobile phone networks, these are very convenient but usually very small upload limits, not sure if they work in different countries. Well talking of download limits, my brain needs more coffee, so hope this perspective is useful and happy travelling, both physical and virtual. Check out skype for internet phone calls, beeming into family and friends via your webcam and if you are really keen you can have in-country phone numbers for ludites to ring and leave messages for you or talk to you when are online ... ok a bit nerdy ... but cheaper then yakking on a mobile and you can use in most countries. Alright, seeya. Zephyr |
Alternative?
What about laptop alternatives? Are there any PDA's that I can write html and edit images on? (Like basic cropping and rotating and stuff) I don't want to pack an entire laptop if a PDA and a keyboard attachment will do the trick...
Charles. |
Libretto 100CT
Perhaps it's a bit to old and small for the most of us. But I use a Libretto 100CT. Price: Euro 200.
http://onderhoud.luiemotorfiets.net/...0460_thumb.jpg (Click to enlarge) It has only a small screen, but good enough for me to use Garmin Mapsource and download the tracks each day. The size is about a VHS cassette. Runs really well! And scheap to replace when gets stolen or broken. |
Sony
I carry a Sony VAIO ultra-portable - 11" screen and 2.5 lbs. It has held up pretty well for two years. I have three VAIO notebooks and had no problems with any of them.
However, the ultimate for portability with full functionality woudl have to be the new Sony UX series, in my opinion. It is only slightly larger than a PDA, but runs a full version of Windows and comes pre-loaded with a full version of MS Streets and Trips 2007. It has Integrated WLAN, WWAN, and Bluetooth. It has a 4.5" Wide SVGA LCD, touch screen but also has a keyboard hidden under the screen. The screen slides up like a cell phone. This is definately on my wish list. I could use the extra room in my pannier from the downsizing. |
Thank you!
Thank you! That Libretto is exactly what I need. Small, light, cheap, compact, and it runs Windows! That's perfect! I'm snagging one off of eBay ASAP. Thanks a ton!
Charles. |
Buy right Libretto type
I am glad to be off help. But beware! If you want USB (as I do to use my GPS, telephone and a very small mouse), you must have a 100CT (CT!) or newer. Older Libretto's have PCMCIA cardbus that is to old. I bought a PCMCIA card with 4 USB connections. Works great.
|
Yeah, I do need usb for my digital camera. Thanks for the info. Looks like I can find a 100CT or 110CT for around $300 on eBay, which isn't too bad. Thanks again!
Charles. |
I've been looking on ebay for the same sort of thing.
The Sony C1 series may be worth looking at - a bit more expensive than the Libretto but some well spec'd models turn up on ebay from time to time. Not quite as small, but better spec'd are the Compaq M300, and various IBM models. Most of the older laptops will struggle with todays applications, especially if you plan to use it to view your photos at the end of each day.Typical digital photos are around 3MB in jpeg format. A 6Mpixel picture will use 18MB of memory when it's uncompressed by photo-editing software for viewing. You'll also have problems if you want to hook up in an internet cafe - older models won't have LAN connections, and may not be able to run a wireless card. You'll also struggle to find drivers for some of your devices to get them to work in older systems. I've got an old HP Omnibook 800, which is nice and small, but due to its age it's pretty well useless for my needs. It may be worth getting something a little bigger, but with a more upto date spec. Look for something with 20Gb of disk space of you're storing lots of photos, and at least a 600MHz processor if you want to do any editing. A LAN socket and the ability to run a wireless card would be useful for sending emails at internet cafes. A couple of USB sockets are essential, preferably USB2 if you're backing up your cameras memory cards. |
Specs of my Libretto 100CT
I have Windows98 running on my Libretto. That could be a problem for new devices. But my new Garmin 60CSx worked with no problems. Also I have a good netword pcmcia card working. Furthermore, I have a USB wireless network adapter whith wireless network detection, so you I don't have to turn on my Libretto first. This wireless device is just new, haven't installed it yet. But it has specific Win98 drivers.
My old Libretto has 64M ram and a 20Gb hard drive. Not too bad actually. But if you want to edit photo's, I admit, it will not be so quick ;-) But still, I can do lots of stuff on it. |
Zephyr has is all pretty wrapped up; definitely get the extra 2-3 year warranty.
I alos wholeheartedly (spelling?) back up the shuffle idea; all your music on iTunes on the lap-top with the tiniest device for listening with ear plugs - and why anyone spends money on a flash drive when they have a shuffle??? My only other coment and only from my experience is; I have had 2 Sony Vaios; love them for their style and pleasure to use, but I had both pack up on my whilst travelling! Both times it was the motherboard which renders it beyond economical repair. The first was within the warranty, the secon just outside. Coincidence? maybe, but I'm not prepared to risk it again! One last thing; don't be freaked out by a smaller screen than you're used to, especially in the shop; you will get used to it in no time and everything else will seem mutant in comparisin!!! Have fun! |
Flash
Another way is to get the 500 gig flash drive that has been preset with technology on it. I cannot for the life of me remeber what its called.
But this is how it works. U plug into any pc thats connected to the net. It then acceses an online pc/storage area or your pc at home. The amazing thing is it ,akes that internet pc look your own pc at home. Wallpaper included. It even sets ur pc keyboard to the way u have set at home. or online. This completey gets away with having to carry a notebook. the only problem i foresee is forgetting what u did by not writing it down. But pen and paper should do the trick.:biggrin: I will try to find the usb flash drives name again |
Purchasing a Toughbook 30
I have purchased a Toughbook 30 which should be shipped in the next week or so. It has a dual intel chip but is not cheap - I got it o that I could do some image and video pre processing during my five months trip this summer. Toughbooks are made per military specifications, i.e. dust, dropping, some water, etc. If you are going to use for multiple trips and will be relying on it - all though the price is high - it is probable the best choice - will keep you up todate
whitney |
Alternatives
I have found two modern alternatives to the Libretto. For a dirt cheap system that is rugged, small and dirt cheap, the NEC MobilePro 900C is an adequate choice. I just bought one to try it out, and here's my take on it.
The MobilePro 900C runs Windows CE .Net v4.2. This OS is not ideal, as there is not a whole lot of software available for it. In particular, I found it difficult to find a decent image editing package. I found that Pocket Artist is adequate for the job of cropping and resizing photos -- not great, but adequate. SeePic is an above average image browser that I use to look at the photos on my drive. That being said, the keyboard on the MobilePro is absolutely awesome. It's a real pleasure to type on. The WordPad software included is a decent text editor for creating html or word documents or whatever. The MobilePro doesn't have a harddrive, it uses CompactFlash memory cards for storage. This is really useful if you have a camera that runs on CompactFlash. Even if you don't, CF cards are much cheaper than SD cards or Sony Memory Sticks. The MobilePro also has a PCMCIA port, which readily accepts an SD card reader without any drivers or anything. So I can plug the adapter in the PCMCIA port and read my camera's SD card very easily. That PCMCIA port also accepts an 802.11b wireless card, which allows you to connect to the Internet. The included IE is adequate for the task, although with a max resolution of 640x240, pages optimized for 800x600 or larger look all cramped. Basically, I'm able to use the MobilePro to write text files when offline (at a campsite for instance), and then connect to the Internet when I get to a WiFi hotspot (or using the internal 56k modem) and upload those text files to my blog. I can also open images from my camera, resize them, and ftp them to my website... although editing 4 megapixel images on the MobilePro eats batteries and is really slow. But... the MobilePro charges from a 12 volt, 2 amp source, which means it is dirt simple to wire up an adapter to a motorcycle electrical system to recharge the batteries. Batteries last about two hours if you're doing heavy image editing, connected to the Internet, or playing mp3s, but will last 6 hours or so if all you're doing is editing text files. This is on the standard battery - there is a larger capacity battery available. Gaming on the MobilePro is great! PocketMame runs on the MobilePro, which gives you access to about 1000 old arcade games. In truth, only a few hundred play decently on the small monitor, but that's still a TON of games. So, all in all the MobilePro 900C is *barely* up to the task for image editing, but it is perfect if all you want to do is keep a journal and upload to a blog when you get a chance. No hard drive, no moving parts, a really heavy duty rugged body, and a footprint about the size of a VHS tape means this is a great motorcycle travel companion -- especially considering the low replacement cost ($150) if it ever gets damaged and the fact that all your data is on a CF card, and can easily be moved to a new machine. It has some limitations, namely lack of modern software and slow editing of large images, but for the cost it might be a viable alternative if you don't need anything too fancy. If yo DO need something fancy, consider a Sony Picturebook PCG-C1VPK. It's a little larger than the MobilePro, but it's a full 600MHz PC running Windows 2000. But the price is around $700 and it's been reported to be a little flimsy. The large battery on those suckers last FOREVER though. Charles. |
Another vote for PowerBook 12". I do photo editing, video editing, it has reasonable power for it all. It's very small and smooth-sided from all angles, nothing ever get's stick with coths etc. Mine dropped from bike's seat against concrete floor, worked OK! Never seen any PC with that kind of solid supporting frame like the aluminium casing on AL PowerBooks.
But they don't make PowerBooks anymore and I don't know about the newer MacBook Pros tho. The casing seems to be the same, but it's a pity they don't have a compact 12" model of it anymore... Maybe in the future, I hope. |
A lot of good suggestions...but you have to think about what makes a laptop weak...
The Toughbook is tough and all that but it doesn't allow you do any heavy work. The Mac on the other hand allows you to do quite a good amount of work, BUT they are more delicate. The Thinkpad T-60 offers the best balance between the 2 critical factors or durability and utility. Hell look at Thinkpad's great warranty of 3 years...and customer service...its not some advertising gimmick like Dell...its something that sells the notebook... Plus its the only laptop they'd use on NASA's Space Shuttle...and that says something... 2001: A Space Laptop | SpaceRef - Your Space Reference |
Dell are now doing a MIL SPEC laptop similar (All Terrain Grade) to the Toughbook, but a more competative prices.
Dell Latitude ATG Computer - Notebook PC Whilst on the face of it, it does look like it is as strong as the Toughbook, it has passed the military specifications, especially for dust and vibration; which will effect us most. |
Quote:
|
Quote:
T |
Toshiba know how?
I got a Portege by Toshiba, ex corporate, 18 mnths old, 12" screen, 60Gb HD, blah, blah, blah. ebay, £250 + tax:thumbup1:
Toshiba have used the experience gained from the Toughbook range to make this little baby, and with enough dubries to plug almost anything you want into it, including an SD card slot. The DVD Disk drive pops out to accept a second battery if you want, extending the 4hr standard stand alone time to over 6 hrs I think, (not used it yet.) With infra red and wireless built in + bluetooth dongle it talkes to my cell phone and just about everything else I want it for. My camera, video and cell phone also use sd cards so that makes for easy transfer without messy cables. I notice that the wireless modem picks up next doors wi-fi set up, but haven't tried to route it through yet:nono: , but one of these days temptation is gonna get the better of me:cool4: When I ride, it, and my camelback, go in a small rucksack as your body absorbes a lot of vibrations and at less than 2kg is no problem. IMHO the hinge to the screen looks a weak point on most laptops, the portege p4010 looks stronger than most, and I shyed away from the one with the swivel screen for this reason. I guess you make your choice and stay with it until it proves not to be what you thought it was, such is life. |
Asus Eee
|
|
Surfer,
Is that a U3 drive you're thinking of. You can carry your desktop on it and your anti-virus software etc. |
Toughbook
TOUGHBOOKS are indestructible. Mine is old. It has a great keyboard and great screen. It survived six months on the road last year from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, sometimes on horrible roads and on a Honda 125. I am writing on it now. Last month it and I survived being hit by a truck carrying two trucks. We are in Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego. I am going to leave the laptop here. It is heavy and my ankle will be in plaster when I leave next week. Not on the bike. I trucked the bike north today to Dakar Motos in Bs As for repair and will pick it up after bussing and boating thru Chile, north Argentina and Paraguay.
:oops2: simon at home |
I´ve been very happy with my Itronix GoBook MAX (about $200USD used, on ebay).
It has a 10.5 inch touchscreen, which is better than a mouse when you´re laying in your tent. Its 700mhz PentiumIII is enough to run Photoshop 6, GPS software, internet browers, etc. Mine has a 16GB hard disk (surrounded by foam), which is sufficient. I backup my photos on several 4GB SDHC cards and use a USB card reader. It´s small but heavy: built to military specs as well. |
use the EEPC or ACER aspire one
You should buy an eepc with the 12gb solid state disk as it as no problems with vibration and shocks wich a normal HD could die from both have wifi and bleutooth 10inch screen the eepc is verry rugged mine fell 2 of 1.5mt hight no problem at all if you need more memory for your pictures use 8gb Usb sticks cost 15 dollar and als shock proof beter dan 2.5 3.5 inch disks speciali on a long journey?c? works with gps software and can run google earth and gramin mapsource with no problems but fot RTW dont take the white one but a black version:thumbup1:
|
Quote:
yes it is even better than my T61 hammer/centerstand support/laptop that has fallen of my table, drank hot coffee and still goes like the first day i pushed the power butten. what about it? did you get one? |
if money is not a object the General Dynamics GoBook MR-1 fully-rugged, ultra-mobile notebook. Rugged Ultra Mobile Notebook PC - The General Dynamics Itronix GoBook MR-1 MIL810F UMPC with DynaVue is the best ADV laptop GPS system.
|
Toughbooks are about the most durable you can get but then you pay the price for them. It's not quite round the world but I will be taking my Linux based Acer Aspire One to Morocco next month. Small lightweight. Cheap. Solid state drives. Take a decent memory card and flash dirve. I just put them through the washing machine and they have come out unscathed with all data still intact :)
|
Mac iBook
A Mac iBook. IMHO Windows based computers suck hind tit.
Apple rocks. |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:28. |