traveling with electronics

[LiveIrie713]

Is it worth it to bring a laptop abroad? I'm addicted to mine and bring it everywhere already. What about a cell phone? Is there a good cell phone provider to take everywhere?

[double.exposed]

I'm curious about the cellphone bit too!

I know it would be ridiculous for me to bring my laptop because I am too addicted to it and I need to learn how to talk to other people! I'm definitely NOT addicted to cellphones though, but it would be nice to have, instead of depending on phone cards and such (unless phone cards and such are going to be cheaper than the international cellphones I've seen so far...)

As for the laptop.. well, I guess it depends on a lot of things: portability (if it weighs as much as a small pony it is probably not good to bring), likelihood of being in places where there is a chance to charge it and connect to the interwebs, crime and whether it is more likely that your laptop could be stolen from you (or else what you would do to avoid such a thing), and probably a lot of other factors that would play into your decision too!

But if you're a shyling like me, and love the computer for its delicious anonymity, then maybe it would be good to y'know.. cut the cord.. just for a little while? Haha, I typically don't say stuff like that, though, because it's your call! :D

[LiveIrie713]

Haha, I know what you mean. I can be shy at times too, but if I'm in situations where I need to make aquaintences, if not friends, then I can! I would be much more inclined to use the internet for keeping in touch and finding cool places to go and see and things to do. Not to mention ALLLLL my music.

Are internet cafe's popular accross the pond?

[joe7f]

For most people it is better not to take a laptop. Internet Cafes are very popular... not to mention that frequently the hostel has a few computers.

I took mine with me on a 5 month long trip because of a class and the fact that I was "stationary" for long periods. I am going to Spain for a week on Sunday and I am definitely leaving it at home

--Joey

[mbo108]

As far as cell phones go, using an American phone/contract overseas (if you can - you cannot with Veizon for instance) is definitely not cheap. Even the international roaming stuff is pretty expensive.

Now if you can unlock your cellie (and provided its a GSM/tri/quad band phone) you can bring it and use SIM cards for the countries or regions you'll be in.

You can definitely get by fine without one. If you do think you'll need one to make calls in Europe (calling around to hostels, etc) then try to get local SIMs, and if you're just calling your family once to say you arrived safely and you wont use it anymore maybe stay with your current phone/plan.

If you're more specific about what you have I can give you more details.

[c0urt]

laptops are heavy and i have had people try to rob me twice, and my ibook had a nice curve to it it. But I would still bring mine with me just because i like having my own computer.

[LiveIrie713]

thanks for the advice! i guess i'm worried about not having my computer and phone because i'm still in the mindset of everything i use on a daily basis here, and feeling lost without it. which is stupid bcause i lived without them for over 17 years!

my laptop isn't that heavy but it is delicate and it would be such a responsibility, making sure no one steals it or messes with it in any way. and what if it breaks...eww.

[Thetraveler]

As mentioned most hostels have a few computers. I didn't take my laptop with me and in the end I was happy I didn't, it wouldn't have been worth the stress of possibly losing it or pain of being required to carry it everywhere.

Also buy a sim card when you are in Europe. I bring mine with just for texting once in awhile but that is it. I did have to answer it while I was in Poland because I hadn't been able to get ahold of my cousin and for a total of 2 minutes it cost me $12.00 CDN! Yikes!