Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By niello8
  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*
  • 1 Post By DougieB

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Dec 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8
MacBook Air Protection

I have a 11 inch MacBook Air which is great for packing (small size). Was wondering if anyone new a sturdy case built specifically for it to keep it safe while it's packed in the top box. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
We kept ours in the side case in a soft sleeve. It was packed with clothes but the laptop itself was on the outside of the (side loading) pannier. Bike was on its side many times, boxes came off...the MacBook is still unscathed!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Dec 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
The best way of looking after it is leaving it at home.....

I bought a 2 year old 10" HP net book for £90 off ebay which runs EVERYTHING...


However, if you do take it I have a great system. If a touch bulky..

Get one of those durable plastic storage boxes with the four clips on each side. They sell them in Asda/Tesco etc but you might need to go on line to find the right side.

Then just use some foam on each side. Old carpet underlay or new foam. Again, easy to get on ebay... It makes a VERY durable case. You could throw the macbook off a cliff....

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Dec 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
Macbook Air's are much tougher than conventional laptops/netbooks. I've been touring with mine (13" version) on/off-road with the bicycle and motorbike for over a year. I just use a Thule Gauntlet sleeve, and the laptop's not got a scratch.

you really don't need to go nuts on padding, for the metal-cased/no-moving-parts Air. In the middle/top of the topbox is a good idea, without any heavy items on top of it. And you need to keep it waterproof on the motorbike, maybe just put it inside a zip-lock A4 wallet (which adds almost zero bulk).

Far more fragile are the cables. I use a plastic food container which has a snap-lock lid, which protects all the cables I need (and stops the plugs damaging anything else).

cheers
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Dec 2013
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Good advice above!
I think Apple make a few carry cases for the Air. All I hear from owners is how tough they are and that they travel well. Bit of extra bubble wrap would help protect. Wash board road constant jolting are probably the worst.

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Dec 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
Just put it in a sleeve and you'll be fine.

I had mine with me on a 4 months offroad trip, just in a neoprene sleeve and then loose inside a Pelicase. Laptop runs perfectly fine.

There's no harddisk in the Air so no worries about that, and a "scratch" on the alu, who cares if you would happen to have them? There is no better way to travel than with an Air...
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 276
Oh yeah I should mention our panniers are pelican cases, they are bombproof and don't dent like metal. We also stored a spare hard drive in the sleeve which was fine too after 1.5 yrs on the road.

Agree the cables are crap. We've had a few go wonky.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Jan 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 27
Mine just goes in a neoprene sleeve, then in a land snd sea waterproof map case. My air is the 10".
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Hessen, Germany
Posts: 187
I am using a Book Book sleeve, which fit into a Sea To Summit 2 liter bag....



Casper
__________________
www.exilepixel.com
www.c-note.dk
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Air Freight / Shipping Motorcycle from India to Kyrgyzstan...Found cheap option momo034 West and South Asia 6 13 Mar 2017 14:19
Xt600 Air Filter Joshy715 Yamaha Tech 13 20 Aug 2015 20:54
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 04:38
Air shipping from USA to Asia (Thailand, Singapore, etc...) bokad Trip Transport 2 1 Apr 2012 04:14
Easylift 4t Air Jack - Exhaust Jack nickdisjunkt Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 7 Dec 2011 10:09

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:28.