Travel technology forum

It's a minor point, but I'd disagree with the comment about most wi-fi not being free. I found it plenty of places, although I would hunt out accom that offered it for times when I knew I would be wanting it.

Yes, there lots of internet cafes, but personally I loathe them. The connections are often slow, you're limited to go on-line at a time that doesn't always suit, and there are always security issues, especially when making bookings that involve credit card payments.

With respect to a phone or iPad for the OP? I don't have either as I prefer a netbook when travelling (to back up photos, for the keyboard, and for the other applications that I use when travelling (Office, Picasa, etc).

Personally, I loathe using my mobile phone for doing web-things and reading - the screens to small and I hate the keypads. But the advantage of the phone is that it's much easier to carry around with you.

However, out of the two options you present, I would lean towards the iPad (or similar tablet). I believe you can get keyboard cover/docking station that turns it into a netbook format. If you were to do lots of reading, I would suggest a Kindle over a tablet as the screens are much easier on your eyes. But if you're not doing a lot of reading, than the tablet would be OK.

For me, I will continue to use my netbook for web-stuff, my Kindle for reading. I've carried an iPod on previous trips and very rarely used it. I'll leave it home next time.

Hi,

I've never used an iPad but love having an iPhone here in Thailand, although I would find it pretty pointless if you weren't paying the little extra to use the 3G data network. I pay about US $15 per month for data (prepaid) plus another $5-10 for phone calls within the country. I've never used skype on the iPhone but it works fine for everything else you mention. I assume it works okay for skype as long as there's a strong WiFi signal, but a laptop or tablet might be better for specifically for skype just because of the bigger screen for video.

But for me the huge selling point of the iPhone is the GPS, which uses google maps. I've yet to try it in the other countries but it has rarely failed me in Thailand, even in backwater little towns. You really can't get lost with that - you just drop a pin on the map where your hotel is located and wander off anywhere, then when you want to go back you just look on the map and find your way back. It also usually gives good step by step walking or driving directions to destinations, and it's usually only necessary to type in the name of a hotel, restaurant or attraction rather than the whole address. I assume the iPad can do the same thing but you'd need to be connected to the data network, and I personally wouldn't want to be whipping out my iPad everywhere on the streets. iPhone, on the other hand, is pretty discreet.

I do some writing work out here so for me it's necessary to carry a computer too, and I've found the 11' Macbook Air + iPhone 4 to be a dynamic duo for traveling (albeit a pricey one).