Lightweight, Durable and Compact Solutions for Staying Connected While on the Road
02-18-2015, 09:42 AM
Whenever I travel I tend to leave my laptop at home. I do so because my laptop is kinda heavy and bulky (fairly ancient 12" IBM ThinkPad model) and I prefer to travel light (35 litre backpack that fits into airline overhead bins). Also, for me, it is nice to "unplug" from the computer, especially while I am on vacation, to enjoy the organic qualities of the experience (talking with people in a cafe vs. sitting in a corner hunched over my laptop texting with people). So, until now I usually traveled with a simple flip phone that lasts 2-3 weeks on a single charge.
However, I have come to see the advantages of staying connected while on vacation. For one, I can make travel arrangements, book hotels, set up dates, check personal e-mail, update my CV/apply for jobs (it's happened before), etc. Not to mention I can load up some foreign language video lessons or travel guides to pass the time if I'm stuck waiting for a train or flight (most of my travel involves trains, planes and good 'ole hoofing it).
As the thread title suggests, I am looking for something lightweight, durable and compact. Probably there are a lot of you on here with more travel miles and experience under your belts, so I thought you might be able to impart some of your wisdom as I make a decision on what to purchase.
So basically, I am looking at 3 main options: 1. Apple MacBook Air 11", 2. Apple MacBook Air 13", 3. Apple iPad mini retina. What I am especially interested in hearing about from your experiences is having a real keyboard vs. not having one for typing, as this is probably what most differentiates the MBA from the iPAD.
Yes, I seem set to go with an Apple product. I am not really a fanboy or particularly status-minded. But I am willing to pay good money for a well-made product. I say this typing on my ThinkPad which has multiple cracks in the plastic case for no explicable reason (I babied this computer--always put away in a case, never dropped it, never really carted it around, etc.). I am open to suggestions for other Apple products or non-Apple products (as long as this doesn't turn into one of those dreaded PC vs Apple opinion-based debates).
I have also considered getting by with just a smartphone, but I don't know if this would be a viable solution for the purposes stated above. Again, I would be interested in hearing about your experiences.
I should finally add that this device is not meant to be used for work (I leave that shit at home), but if the odd emergency comes up, perhaps the capability would be nice? Hmm...
Thanks in advance for your response.
However, I have come to see the advantages of staying connected while on vacation. For one, I can make travel arrangements, book hotels, set up dates, check personal e-mail, update my CV/apply for jobs (it's happened before), etc. Not to mention I can load up some foreign language video lessons or travel guides to pass the time if I'm stuck waiting for a train or flight (most of my travel involves trains, planes and good 'ole hoofing it).
As the thread title suggests, I am looking for something lightweight, durable and compact. Probably there are a lot of you on here with more travel miles and experience under your belts, so I thought you might be able to impart some of your wisdom as I make a decision on what to purchase.
So basically, I am looking at 3 main options: 1. Apple MacBook Air 11", 2. Apple MacBook Air 13", 3. Apple iPad mini retina. What I am especially interested in hearing about from your experiences is having a real keyboard vs. not having one for typing, as this is probably what most differentiates the MBA from the iPAD.
Yes, I seem set to go with an Apple product. I am not really a fanboy or particularly status-minded. But I am willing to pay good money for a well-made product. I say this typing on my ThinkPad which has multiple cracks in the plastic case for no explicable reason (I babied this computer--always put away in a case, never dropped it, never really carted it around, etc.). I am open to suggestions for other Apple products or non-Apple products (as long as this doesn't turn into one of those dreaded PC vs Apple opinion-based debates).
I have also considered getting by with just a smartphone, but I don't know if this would be a viable solution for the purposes stated above. Again, I would be interested in hearing about your experiences.
I should finally add that this device is not meant to be used for work (I leave that shit at home), but if the odd emergency comes up, perhaps the capability would be nice? Hmm...
Thanks in advance for your response.