Travel technology forum

Posted from within Vietnam.

Hey Mel,

I had the same dilemma when I was planning my 13-week trip to SE Asia--only in my case it was a girlfriend overseas who I wanted to keep in touch with.

In the end, I went in favor of the netbook. For me, the ability to backup pictures from my camera and post them online, download podcasts for long bus/train rides, skype with family/friends and even watch an episode or two of "Curb your Enthusiasm" won out over the portability of an iTouch.

As for WiFi access, it's ubiquitous here in Vietnam; if your GH doesn't provide it, a nearby cafe or hotel usually will have an unprotected signal you can latch onto. I'm actually writing this now from the comfort of my room in Dalat, at a guesthouse that doesn't offer wifi--the signal is from a minihotel just down the street. The situation's comparable in Thailand, especially in the larger cities.

In Laos, I had to take my computer to a dedicated internet cafe and plug it in, as wifi wasn't available except in (the fanciest) restaurants, and only then in tourist centers like Luang Prabang. In Cambodia, the situation was similar, but with slightly faster connection speeds overall.

This has all been in backpacker accommodations. Never spent any more than $8/night, except in Bangkok (and one night during the SEA Games in Vientiane).

Let me know if I can help to shed any more light on this.

I agree, take both. Moreover, if you are trying to connect to weaker wifi signals your netbook stands a much better chance of picking them up than the iTouch.

Why do you need a iTouch AND an iPod? why not forget the iTouch as you have the netbook for that kinda stuff and just take the iPod?

At least then it would be one less thing to worry about.

Unfortunately, the only way i found of really protecting my valuables was taking them with me everywhere. You could invest in one of those pacsafe things, where you can securely fasen them to anything sturdy and they cannot be broken into. This would be extra weight and expense but perhaps would enable you to leave things behind (although not the netbook, i think the safes are pretty small).

I had a padlock on my day bag but only put it on if i was on a bus journey or in a busy market. I found it got pretty annoying having to put in the code everytime i wanted to get something out. I guess you could also argue that it advertises you have valuables in your bag?!

My next trip i think i'll not even bother bringing my iTouch. Yes its quite convienient sometimes to check email and stuff but, for me at least, i'd prefer to leave it at home and not worry about it being stolen or having to carry it around (i know its not exactly heavy!). I found an old iPod Mini the other day, might just take that if it still works then at least i won't be too bothered about leaving it in my bag unattended.

Hope that helps

thanks for all of your replies! the final verdict is that i'm bringing the netbook and leaving the iTouch at home. i'm happy with my decision, especially for skype - so much better to keep in touch. Cary, have a great trip and I'll let you know if I have any issues!

Leaving tomorrow morning...

melissa

You'll be amazed where you can pick up wifi.... my most surprising one was at a guesthouse in the jungle near Mae Sot. The signal must have been coming from the owner's house nearby -- they certainly didn't advertise they had wifi though!

Anyway, the message is take the netbook. :)

I have had a very similar problem. I think I'm leaving the netbook at home though because its bigger, heavier and harder to look after. Also would a netbook not make you a bit anti social? just sat in your room messing about on the net all day or watching films at night rather than meeting people??

So I was thinking the iTouch which is good for just checking email and all the other aps or a Sony PSP...

I took my iPod Classic and a netbook. I didn't use the iPod nearly as much as I though I might, but found the netbook excellent for keeping in touch, researching and arranging travel and accommodation, keeping a blog updated and for backing up photos. I also stored my TF travel guides on it, although I do prefer to have them printed out to carry with me.

I also used the iPod to back up my photos. You may want to consider the iTouch for this, although I have no idea how big the hard drive on an iTouch is. (And it depends on how many photos you are likely to take).

It's amazing how technology has changed the way we travel!

Netbook! Netbook! Netbook!

Happy travels

On previous trips I have taken my SD card to a local shop and had my pics burned to a CD and shipped them home...

I know the post is been very old already but I just wanted to give my opinions about these...

When it comes to travelling.. Netbook would be the best since its really portable..
Netbook also have different applications and features that itouch doesnt..
If video chatting is what you want to do then netbook would be great since the screen is way to bigger..