Post: #26

(04-18-2013 01:09 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(04-18-2013 08:38 AM)youngmobileglobal Wrote:  I have a 13 inch macbook air and that was probably the best purchasing decision I made in 2012.

Do you miss not having a CD drive on it?

Nope, don't miss it.

As I've been mobile for close to 3.5 years now, I've learned to pare everything down to the bare essentials. I haven't required any software that warrants a CD drive and I don't watch anything that I can't stream on the internet.

As I get older I'm realizing that I am wealthy in relation to the things that I can let go of and be happy without.

-

Post: #27

(04-18-2013 01:09 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(04-18-2013 08:38 AM)youngmobileglobal Wrote:  I have a 13 inch macbook air and that was probably the best purchasing decision I made in 2012.

Do you miss not having a CD drive on it?

Can always get a refurbished mac super drive (cd/dvd) refurbished for $36.00 off amazon while it's priced at $80.00 new in case you need to install any new software not accessible through the internet.

Post: #28

Macbook Air all day (I realize its pricy). It's so thin you can cut cheese with it and people around you think its from the future.

Post: #29

I traveled 5 months with the MSI wind 10", but it did limit me in many ways, and when i'll upgrade ill get something a little larger. Not sure if 11.6" is enough. Chromebook sure looks interesting, but i will give it a look first.

Post: #30

Amazon Warehouse Deals has Samsung 11.6" Chromebook (Used, like New) for $176 with free shipping

Post: #31

(04-17-2013 12:25 PM)LowerCaseG Wrote:  I have a chromebook and its awesome, lightweight and battery lasts forever. You just can't do anything if you're not online. Doesnt support skype. I paid $250 on amazon in november.

YOU'VE got to be internet connected for a Chrome. That kills it for me, despite the sweetspot. I like to read FOR PLEASURE at the beach and while traveling to uncivilized and remote locales (mountains, forests, islands and water bodies). Plus (or minus) the shorter battery life.

The iPad has a superior screen but lacks data connections, flashplayer, and independent/swappable data storage. I considered going used for an iPad 2 - brings it into that $350 maybe $300 sweetspot (ie, one could lose it and not cry).

But I'm going for NEW Galaxy Tab with a larger 10" screen (best for a tall and almost BIG man like me - built like a pro quarterback). Lot's a data display options (for sharing movies) like HDMI. It takes an SD card (and up to 65GB - a critical failure of the iPad for video/music junkies). Plus, the apps are more customizable than an iPad.

Galaxy Tab 10 is $325 new. And set for Skyping. 8 to 12 hours battery life.
http://www.amazon.com/computers-accessor...B007M50PTM
Add a keyboard for serious writing and presentation editing and it's still under 1.5 pounds in weight (now who need Kindle?) - good to go for a couple months or more! Replete for surfing and downloading or uploading pics and simple video too. And while the screen is inferior, easy HDMI connectability makes up for that lack.

For US travel, I'm likely to go with a 13" MacBook Pro for (up to) $1500 (new), with a 128GB SSD - and about two-and-a-half pounds of weight. REVIEW making the argument HERE
http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/21/laptop-...a-display/
It can also handle light video editing well. Said to be the best all-around lap top - but not-to-be-lost without REAL pain. For temporary residence abroad, like three months or so. This may be the shit, too.

Will report back this summer with personal use data.

PS the Lojack for Android adds another layer of protection for those traveling with premium smartphones. Only $30 annually.
http://www.mobileburn.com/21635/news/loj...o-reset-it

Post: #32

Macboook Air 11 inch.
With the weight you save you can add to it pacsafe gear to protect all your baggage. Add to it a cheap optical drive if you ever actually need one.

Post: #33

(04-17-2013 08:15 AM)Goldmund Wrote:  I am going to spend two months traveling through Northern Europe this summer. Most of the time I will have a car and about half the time I will be staying with people that I know.

I am wondering what is the best computer to take with me. I need something to do research and writing on, book dates through fucksurfing, store photos, and check datasheets on this forum. It needs to be light and inexpensive.

I got my first MacBook a year ago and love it but it is very heavy and way to valuable to take on a trip like this.

Not looking to spend more than $400

Suggestions?

And ipads are pretty gay.

The new macbook retina if you can afford it... it is very light/thin. Adnt eh screen is amazing. It's like having a smart phone quality screen across the entire 15" area.

Post: #34

I'll most likely get a Lenovo Carbon with the new Intel Haswell chip in June/July to carry abroad. The new chips come out June 3rd and will combine the processor and graphics chip, generating cost, space, and energy efficiency benefits.

Don't buy a computer until then.

Post: #35

I'm coming up on needing a new computer for travel. Ultrabooks are nice but pricey. Right now I'd go with an Asus or Samsung. I've come to realize CDROM drives aren't needed. Can't remember the last time I used mine. Everything can be done on a USB drive for backing up data, ect.

Post: #36

A netbook is quite good for travel. Check this one out
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AO725-0687-Du...107&sr=1-1

Post: #37

(05-29-2013 11:03 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  I'll most likely get a Lenovo Carbon with the new Intel Haswell chip in June/July to carry abroad. The new chips come out June 3rd and will combine the processor and graphics chip, generating cost, space, and energy efficiency benefits.

Don't buy a computer until then.

Don't buy a computer until [JUNE]?
I've looked, and I'd only say that if you're looking for an ultra-notebook.

Otherwise, feel free to keep looking!

Post: #38

the new macbook pro 13 inch with retina display is pretty awesome


isn't it only like 3 lbs now? the 15 inch retina is the same weight as the old 13 inch.

I kind of don't see the point in the macbook air now that the retina macbook pro 13 inch is getting so light. I might get me one of those before my next big trip. coupled with an iphone 5.

Post: #39

I put full-sized but ultra light & thin 24-in LCD Monitor in my check-in, a 25-in piece of luggage. I surround it with styrofoam that came with it.

I have a custom-built very small desktop PC (with a very small ITX motherboard, ivy bridge processor, 8 GB 2400 mhz ram, two SSD drives in RAID-0) This machine is smoke'n fast. I dont think any laptop can match it, especially not for the price (1k USD, 1 year ago). I put this in my carry-on which weights exactly 10 KG.

My personal item carry-on includes a Vaio laptop and iPad. In my pocket is an Android phone.

All this equipment is useful for work. I always sweat a little when I go through customs. I think customs officials are generally harder on locals than foreigners, but still I think I may be pushing it for some countries.

Post: #40

(06-03-2013 02:37 AM)Orson Wrote:  Don't buy a computer until [JUNE]?
I've looked, and I'd only say that if you're looking for an ultra-notebook.
Otherwise, feel free to keep looking!

That's fair.

Post: #41

Anyone know how the battery-life is on the chromebook?

You should look into the Microsoft Surface. You would get a tablet style computer but with the full functionality to add any windows programs you wanted. It becomes mad useful once you add the touch type cover that has a keyboard and a mouse pad. Its like a full computer in the size of the ipad. I only mention it because until June 30th. They are giving away the touch type cover for free with the purchase of a surface. Normally the cover is $100.

You shouldn't be stressing over the value of a laptop since a laptop regardless of value will get stolen if someone sees the opportunity.

I would just get personal property (also called renter's) insurance, and stop worrying. (Just make sure it applies over seas.)

I have USAA personal property insurance. I pay $150/year for $5000 dollars of coverage plus a whole host of other benefits like liability coverage. My premium is that high because I elected to have a $100 deductible. That means for every incidence of theft, regardless of how much stuff I lose, I am only out $100. That's nothing, and It only took them 2 weeks to send me money after I had my stuff stolen.

Post: #42

(06-03-2013 04:27 PM)Vakarian Wrote:  Anyone know how the battery-life is on the chromebook?

You should look into the Microsoft Surface. You would get a tablet style computer but with the full functionality to add any windows programs you wanted. It becomes mad useful once you add the touch type cover that has a keyboard and a mouse pad. Its like a full computer in the size of the ipad. I only mention it because until June 30th. They are giving away the touch type cover for free with the purchase of a surface. Normally the cover is $100.

You shouldn't be stressing over the value of a laptop since a laptop regardless of value will get stolen if someone sees the opportunity.

I would just get personal property (also called renter's) insurance, and stop worrying. (Just make sure it applies over seas.)

I have USAA personal property insurance. I pay $150/year for $5000 dollars of coverage plus a whole host of other benefits like liability coverage. My premium is that high because I elected to have a $100 deductible. That means for every incidence of theft, regardless of how much stuff I lose, I am only out $100. That's nothing, and It only took them 2 weeks to send me money after I had my stuff stolen.

Don't you have to file a police report often times to collect on your renter's/home owner's insurance? In many of the locales that RVF members are traveling to or living in it would be impossible/pointless to involve the police over an iphone or laptop theft. No personal experience, just a guess.

Post: #43

used my chrome book for the first time on a flight, you need to disable guest login, otherwise you will be locked out of your account until you reconnect via wifi. you also need to disable sync.

other than that battery life is good. I watched two movies on a 4 hour flight with laptop still having 60% of juice left. Perfect for my 2-3 day gateaways.

one small downside is it doesnt play all movie types. Just certain ones so a little harder finding what movies to download

Post: #44

(06-03-2013 04:35 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  

(06-03-2013 04:27 PM)Vakarian Wrote:  Anyone know how the battery-life is on the chromebook?

You should look into the Microsoft Surface. You would get a tablet style computer but with the full functionality to add any windows programs you wanted. It becomes mad useful once you add the touch type cover that has a keyboard and a mouse pad. Its like a full computer in the size of the ipad. I only mention it because until June 30th. They are giving away the touch type cover for free with the purchase of a surface. Normally the cover is $100.

You shouldn't be stressing over the value of a laptop since a laptop regardless of value will get stolen if someone sees the opportunity.

I would just get personal property (also called renter's) insurance, and stop worrying. (Just make sure it applies over seas.)

I have USAA personal property insurance. I pay $150/year for $5000 dollars of coverage plus a whole host of other benefits like liability coverage. My premium is that high because I elected to have a $100 deductible. That means for every incidence of theft, regardless of how much stuff I lose, I am only out $100. That's nothing, and It only took them 2 weeks to send me money after I had my stuff stolen.

Don't you have to file a police report often times to collect on your renter's/home owner's insurance? In many of the locales that RVF members are traveling to or living in it would be impossible/pointless to involve the police over an iphone or laptop theft. No personal experience, just a guess.

A police report would be a nice thing to have, but they would process the request just the same as long as you can prove you own it. i.e. when I had my bike stolen. I didn't even have the receipt for it. I just sent them a 1 year old iphone pic of me on the bike, and they accepted it.

Also when you say police report, its not like you want them to investigate. Just get a piece of paper saying something was stolen from you. Most places (even industrial shitholes in Eastern Europe will do that ) and believe me those cops bring corruption to a whole new level.

Post: #45

New Chromebook Software allows you to use it offline:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/n...urney.html

EDIT:

Also LowerCaseG said he couldn't use skype with his chromebook... yet google store has a skype app.

Post: #46

Anyone know how I can link my laptop to google play? Whenever I try to download an app from the laptop google store It thinks I want to download it on my android phone

Post: #47

(04-18-2013 01:53 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  

(04-18-2013 01:09 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(04-18-2013 08:38 AM)youngmobileglobal Wrote:  I have a 13 inch macbook air and that was probably the best purchasing decision I made in 2012.

Do you miss not having a CD drive on it?

I haven't used a CD in a computer in probably eight years.

agree, if you can spend $500 more the macbook 13" is the right choice. Ipads suck for working on, too small, dumb accessories and it doesn't even allow most business related apps(office, flash..) You can work offline with a Macbook; a Chromebook or a Pixel are entirely dependent on internet access since they are just a browsing computer. My opinion, save a little more money then buy a real computer.

Post: #48

(05-29-2013 11:03 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  I'll most likely get a Lenovo Carbon with the new Intel Haswell chip in June/July to carry abroad. The new chips come out June 3rd and will combine the processor and graphics chip, generating cost, space, and energy efficiency benefits.

Don't buy a computer until then.

Spoke with Lenovo support and they are now selling the 4th gen Intel chip in their Y410p and Y510p models (high perf. multimedia and gaming laptops). No other models have it yet. The X series carbon thinkpads won't have it for a few more months so that's out of the question now for me.

Looks like I'll have to just get the current model.

Post: #49

Based on my experience with Lenovos, I would say they are crap and to stay away. I've travelled the world for years with my 13 inch MacBook pro, With a speck case, and absolutely love it -- it's the best computer I've ever had and still running strong after 3 years. I would seriously consider forking over the extra few hundred bucks for a quality product that you will love and that will last, and not some cheap pc
Edit: I primarily stay in hostels, just padlock it in your locker or bury it in your suitcase

Post: #50

(06-05-2013 03:27 PM)Van Zandt Wrote:  Based on my experience with Lenovos, I would say they are crap and to stay away. I've travelled the world for years with my 13 inch MacBook pro, With a speck case, and absolutely love it -- it's the best computer I've ever had and still running strong after 3 years. I would seriously consider forking over the extra few hundred bucks for a quality product that you will love and that will last, and not some cheap pc
Edit: I primarily stay in hostels, just padlock it in your locker or bury it in your suitcase

Maybe you missed that the one I was talking about is a thinkpad, not regular lenovo. Check out some reviews, they're overall great, and beat out macbook airs often (similar size, better screen, etc.).

I've used thinkpads and the professional series HPs at work for years, and the thinkpads are beasts. There's a reason they've been the professional standard forever.

I've also had a regular lenovo netbook for 4 years that I've beat to hell and it's still ticking.

Also, as discussed in this thread, comparable macbooks aren't really more expensive than top of the line ultrabook PCs (like the carbon). The cheapest carbon you can get is ~$1200, and you can spec it for $2000+.

While I like the iphone, I'm not an mac person when it comes to laptops. You sound like a bit of an apple fanboy in saying I should spend more for a superior product and not some cheap pc. I'd encourage you to go look at some macbook vs. lenovo carbon reviews.