Travel technology forum

URGENT-netbook vs iTouch

meltravelst-
heworld

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Hi There,

I'm heading to South East Asia on Monday for 4 months - visiting Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and likely the Philipinnes. From the other posts, it sounds like wifi is fairly accessible in most places in these countries (only big cities or small ones too?) but, what about at the guesthouses/backpacker accomodations? I am debating taking an iTouch vs a netbook. While the iTouch is handy, my biggest concern is being able to face-to-face skype with my boyfriend (preferably directly from my room). But, if wifi isn't generally available in accomodations in South East Asia, then I'll take the iTouch (which only allows for voice skype, not face to face).

Please let me know your thoughts soon since I leave in less than 48 hours. Thanks!

#1 Posted: 10/1/2010 - 10:40
Dylan

motodop
Posts: 25

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.

#2 Posted: 10/1/2010 - 18:55

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somtam2000

admin
mahout
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Think Dylan hits on an important point here -- that with a netbook you get a lot of other "added bonuses" that you won't get with an iTouch (as much as I'd love to say take the iTouch and don't forget to buy our iPhone App!)

So if I had to choose between the two and would use the other features in the netbook, then I'd probably take a netbook.

Or, just pack both -- the iTouch doesn't take up much space!

#3 Posted: 10/1/2010 - 19:17

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iPhone Apps for Southeast Asia
dastott

longtail driver
Posts: 5

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.

#4 Posted: 10/1/2010 - 22:06
meltravelst-
heworld

longtail driver
Posts: 5

Thank you all for replying so quickly! I really really appreciate it. I think I will take the netbook (and maybe also the iTouch) but I wanted to know how do you protect all your valuables, both in your room (especially if you're sharing) and more importantly, on buses, etc. I would have a netbook, ipod or iTouch, cell phone, and camera (I feel like a tech store:). I was planning to keep them in my daypack with locks on the zippers but I've still heard horror stories. Any tips?

Thanks! Melissa

#5 Posted: 10/1/2010 - 22:44
christay2009

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Posts: 407
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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

#6 Posted: 10/1/2010 - 23:45
Cary

longtail driver
Posts: 7

I too faced this dilemma. I opted for the netbook. I feel like i made the right decision, but I don't leave for BKK for another 8 days, so I guess we'll find out some time after that.

I really like the idea of having a place to back up photos, book guesthouses, etc. and this thing was cheap so if i lose it/it gets stolen/broken I won't shed too many tears.

I just occurred to me that I dont have a backpack that is really lockable, so I'm sure security will become an issue at some point, but for the momment we'll have to wait and see.

#7 Posted: 11/1/2010 - 12:36
meltravelst-
heworld

longtail driver
Posts: 5

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

#8 Posted: 11/1/2010 - 12:43
Cary

longtail driver
Posts: 7

Good luck!!!

#9 Posted: 11/1/2010 - 12:48
idreamofdur-
ian

som tam seller
Posts: 554
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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. :)

#10 Posted: 11/1/2010 - 13:39

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idreamofdurian.com - the bloggings of a Canadian girl in Asia long-term
Sono

newbie
Posts: 2

I am heading to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia myself in a few weeks and will be bringing my itouch, the netbook seems like too much hassle for me but I suppose it is whatever suits u better.

In other news how do I start a new thread? This is my first post and I cant seem to be able to find the option anywhere!

Thanks,
Sono

#11 Posted: 17/2/2010 - 01:16
stevejames00

tourist
Posts: 53
bpg_plc

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...

#12 Posted: 26/2/2010 - 02:10

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Dylan

motodop
Posts: 25

Hmm--I'd say that the netbook only makes you antisocial if you let it. Take it out in a common area, and you'll probably have curious techie onlookers starting up conversations (at least I did).

Of course, if you're holed up in your room playing Freecell all day, then it's a problem. But that's exactly what I did when I came down with dengue fever in north vietnam...I was more than grateful to have some mild entertainment while I rested up.

#13 Posted: 26/2/2010 - 02:21

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busylizzy

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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!

#14 Posted: 26/2/2010 - 02:33

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As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
Road_Warrior

newbie
Posts: 2
NomadzNet

I think you should take both, if you can afford to. The other posts make lots of good points about the added utility and usefulness of the netbook. You'll probably find that the netbook gives you lots of flexibility and ways to overcome unexpected situations. However, I would take the iTouch, because it fills in gaps that the Netbook cannot. First, it will be more reliable, because it is a solid-state device that can be used in more difficult heat and humidity situations than the netbook. The instant-on feature will make it more convenient and handy for most simple uses - browsing, Skype, local maps, guidebooks, restaurant reviews, etc. The battery life is longer than a netbook and easy to prolong with portable solar panels, so you'll get a lot more utility out of it over time.

#15 Posted: 23/5/2010 - 21:48

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High-Tech, Hyper-Active Road Warriors, Globetrotters and Epicureans.
inspiredbyk-
rissi

tout
Posts: 64
inspiredbykriss

Netbook! Netbook! Netbook!

Happy travels

#16 Posted: 23/12/2011 - 09:04

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A mindful traveller, perpetual wander, part time meditator and newbie blogger