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General Lifestyle Design: Travelling With a Laptop

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      CommentAuthorSean
    • CommentTimeOct 14th 2009
     
    So one of the big things I am trying to figure out as I start thinking about doing a backpacking trip through Central America is the best way to take a computer. While I am hoping to be staying in places for a couple weeks at a time, there will still be a lot of moving around. Have any of you experienced a similar situation? Any recommendations for cases/backpacks to buy?Becoming Location Independent is easier than you think...
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      CommentAuthorkwilson
    • CommentTimeOct 14th 2009
     
    Start by getting the lightest laptop you can reasonably use. I personally think "netbooks" are too small for coding but they might work ok for you, depending on what you'll be doing. I'd probably buy a <a href="http://www.apple.com/macbookair/">MacBook Air</a> myself (refurbished, to save some money), as I much prefer OS X to Windows or Linux for everyday use.

    I don't have any specific bag recommendations but I'd suggest getting something that looks as little like a computer bag as possible. If you've got a small enough laptop, you can just get a sleeve for it and carry it in whatever bag you'd be using otherwise.Web Consulting :: Classic Cocktails
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    Sean, this question has been on my mind too but not necessarily what to buy but ways to keep my laptop safe. Ideas?

    One person has recommended I steer away from the typical laptop-appearance bag & use a security cable, but what else is there?Caron FromWhoatoGo
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      CommentAuthorDavid
    • CommentTimeOct 15th 2009 edited
     
    If I were to take a laptop I'd probably get a Dell Mini netbook and install OS X on it. You can find out how to do that by <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5156903/how-to-hackintosh-a-dell-mini-9-into-the-ultimate-os-x-netbook">clicking here</a>.

    Update: I did some more searching for my own reasons and the <a href="http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/hp-mini-2140.aspx">HP Mini 2140</a> looks like a good option. Not sure if they're still being made, but from the looks of it they're still being sold fairly cheaply. It caught my eye because the reviews praise its keyboard, which is often the major shortcoming of many netbooks.Adventures of a Barefoot Geek by David Turnbull
    • CommentAuthortravoholic
    • CommentTimeOct 15th 2009
     
    I've carted my laptop all over the place, here's what I do. I have a regular big backpack with a smaller, detachable backpack that sort of clips on to the outside of the big one. When I'm walking from place to place I usually have the big one on my back as usual and the smaller one sort of hanging off one shoulder or maybe around both and sitting over my front. I look like a massive dork, either way. If my pack isn't super loaded up I can clip it onto the back which makes life easier.

    I keep my laptop inside a sort of laptop condom thing with a zip and padded foam. I think it's made by Crumpler. I stick this into my small backpack along with my cameras and the laptop power cord. The small backpack isn't meant for a laptop or an SLR camera... it's a regular bag. I keep the really important stuff like my passports and my portable hard drive in a small bag that I wear over one shoulder across to the other side so I never have to think about where it is.

    Whenever I get on some form of public transport I detach the smaller backpack and keep it with me and the big one can go wherever they want to take it... I'm just happy to be rid of it, even if just temporarily. I don't keep anything important in my big backpack so it takes the edge off when it's out of my site. I keep the other one with me all the time.

    My laptop is a 12.1" and it's a piece of crap which is key. I don't want to be too worried about the thing. As long as I have my hard drive updated and in a safe spot, losing or having my laptop stolen isn't a huge deal. I leave my laptop and camera in my small backpack in a dorm room all the time with no problems. I leave it out on hostel tables while I wander away to cook dinner and no problems either. It is good to have an un-sexy laptop.Blog :: Twitter
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    Does anyone use any power surge protection kit?Nomadic Neil
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    I travel with a 15" Macbook Pro and a 10" Asus 1005HA EeePC.

    I don't take the Macbook Pro out of my apartment at all (it's a $3000 machine and I don't want it stolen!) and it is for my heavy duty design work and works as my 'desktop' while I'm traveling.

    I take the Asus with me just about everywhere. It cost about $325 (so it wouldn't be the end of the world if it were stolen) and is perfect for surfing/email, writing, simple coding/design work, etc. It also fits inside of my day bag (a satchel-style messenger bag), which is deep enough that people can't just reach in an root around, and doesn't look anything like a laptop bag (muy importante!).
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      CommentAuthorSean
    • CommentTimeOct 17th 2009
     
    Thanks for the tips everyone! I am debating whether or not I am gonna buy a netbook, I will definitney look into some of your suggestions. It seems like the more practical thing to do, especially considering Colin's point that it is less of a big deal if it gets stolen. I think I need to go out and find a laptop bag that doesnt look like laptop bag...Becoming Location Independent is easier than you think...
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      CommentAuthorcodymckibb
    • CommentTimeOct 21st 2009
     
    If anyone's looking for laptop recommendations:
    I always thought the MacBook Air was a little <em>too</em> flimsy for <em>my</em> adventures, but I grabbed the new generation of the MacBook—the unibody alumnium shell, and it's been fantastic for the last year! It's been to 7 countries, the desert, and the beach, and I've even dropped it real hard 2 or 3 times, but it's tough & sturdy. :)Thrilling Heroics || Twitter || LinkedIn
    • CommentAuthortravoholic
    • CommentTimeOct 22nd 2009
     
    If you're in the market for a used laptop try the IBM X41. It's old and it isn't sexy but it's durable and reliable. I like it because it doesn't have a shiny screen like all the new laptops and it isn't a widescreen. These types of laptops are hard to find now but I prefer them to the newer styles.Blog :: Twitter
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      CommentAuthorSean
    • CommentTimeOct 22nd 2009
     
    I hate my shiny screen haha. The widescreen doesnt bother me, but it is very tough to use in bright light, and basically impossible to use outside...Becoming Location Independent is easier than you think...
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      CommentAuthorNomadRip
    • CommentTimeOct 22nd 2009
     
    I second the shiny screen deal! My Toshiba laptop is great for watching movies in the dark, but sucks trying to get stuff done on a bench at the beach or in the park.-James Live Collarfree | Twitter
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    Hey Sean,

    Check this out: North Face Surge Day Pack: http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/surge_2.html
    Thanks to Dan Andrews of http://www.lifestyle-business-podcast.com for the heads up.

    Brilliant!Caron FromWhoatoGo
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      CommentAuthorSean
    • CommentTimeOct 25th 2009
     
    Caron,

    My dad actually has that pack, and that is kind of the direction I have been headed! Thanks for pointing this out, it seems to be one the best options out there for a daypack/laptop bag.Becoming Location Independent is easier than you think...
    • CommentAuthorShaun
    • CommentTimeFeb 24th 2010
     
    Useful thread. I've tried and failed on all counts choosing the right computer. 15" laptop that weighs 4KG/9lbs? Too bulky. 1kg/2.2lbs 10" Dell Mini with OS X installed? 1024x600 resolution too small for design work, underpowered, keyboard slightly annoying for writing. Currently looking at some of the new Toshiba machines: 2kg/4.4lbs, 14" widescreen, 1440x900 resolution. Sounds like a good compromise: http://laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/tecra/R10/R10-S4421 Unless someone can convince me that splashing out for a Macbook is worth the money...- Shaun

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