leaving a laptop behind in a secure place

RTree

Hi,
I'd like to keep up with some freelance database programming projects during my next trip to India. Unfortunately, this means I need a laptop so I can use specialized software that wouldn't be available in cybercafes.

I've read many of the posts about the logistics of traveling with a laptop, and they are tremendously helpful.

One thing that I haven't seen addressed anywhere is the possibility of finding a secure place to lock up a laptop from time to time while going on short trips. For example, maybe I could get a high-end hotel (not one I'm staying at) to safeguard my laptop for a fee. That way, I could leave my laptop behind from time to time. Any suggestions?

lotus blossom

i left my laptop in my room (several rooms) and never really worried about it. i never let anyone know that i had one, but also felt it was secure in the hotels that i stayed in. i checked into the idea of securing it with one of those locks, but realized that someone could get at it if they really wanted it, so decided against it.

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Almoraboy

it would be best if u know someone. then u can leave ur lappy at that person's place. exactly what i did in my previous trip to milam.

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seventies'hippy

Just do what you would do with it anywhere else in the world,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Dr Funkenstein

That's the important bit.

If no-one knows you've got it, you'd be very unlucky indeed to have it nicked.

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RTree

Thanks for all the feedback so far!

Regarding seventies' advice:
I guess my question applies to anywhere in the world- I wouldn't even know what to do in the U.S.. You can't even lock up luggage at train stations/airports anymore in the U.S. post 9/11- maybe that's possible in India?

An example of what I would want to do could be this: Work on my laptop for a couple of weeks in Delhi, then leave my laptop behind and travel the surrounding area for a couple of weeks.

I'm thinking along the lines of Almoraboy's advice- maybe my best bet is to hold on to my laptop until I make trustworthy friends who will hold on to it. Just didn't know if any formal institution could do this at a fee.

graybola

I took mine with me and I was staying in very inexpensive hotels (usually 100rs - 150 a night). I had one of the pacsafe backpacks (not the kind that stand out, but the kind that looks like a backpack) though and would lock it to something. If the room had a bathroom you could usually lock it in the bathroom with a padlock. I figured that with a padlock on the door, and a pad lock on the bathroom and it being locked in the bag someone would have to spend a lot of time trying to get it. If the place was extremely dodgy I also had a lock that was basically a motion sensor. You had to pull the cable out and then wrap it around something then when you locked it you could either leave the motion sensor off or turn it on. It wouldnt go off if you were walking around, but if you shook it it would go off VERY LOUDLY. I basically used this for my bags on the trains as I didnt want to carry a big metal chain, though never with the motion sensor on.

I think the best advise is dont let anyone know you have one. If someone really wants to steal your stuff out of your room they are going to be able to. The locks only deter someone who is looking for an easy target. If they dont think you have expensive stuff then there is no reason for them to steal from you.

That being said I am glad I took that stuff with me as I never worried about it at all, and I think most people are honest and unless the hotel is in on it with the thief, the more time it would take a thief to steal your stuff or break into your room the more likely they would be noticed by the hotel staff.

Here are a few links to the stuff I mentioned.

pacsafe backpack - $75 (US) off ebay
http://www.pac-safe.com/Product.aspx?pId=645

defcon cable lock $5-10 US off ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/DEFCON-1-NOTEBOO...cmdZViewIte m

Enjoy yourself, and dont spend time worrying about your belongings. Though that isnt to say that you shouldnt take precautions.

seventies'hippy

Yeah put Almoraboy & Dr Funks advice together,, Get on trust terms with your hotel/guesthouse owner, say your coming back to stay again in 1months time & that you'd like to leave some of this non-essential stuff here until you return. Wrap the laptop in some spare clothes/ blanket even buy one of those cheap colourful holdalls to put it in, attach a small padlock just so you know if,and deter anyone from nosing inside & off you go,,,,,,,,,,,,,

chagu

But just in case......
do not forget to insure it before you leave home and ofcourse take a back up.

TREKorDIE

I second him...................overall, indian hoteliers in remote places are very trustworthy, you can easily rely on them. (not talking about touristy spots).


ToD

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Merchant

Oddly enough, they have laptops in India (along with digital cameras, cell phones, and MP3 players). The fact of your laptop is not so strange an occurence as invariably to make thieves of the locals. Why not just leave it in your hotel room with the rest of your gear?

tobiass

It was a couple of years ago I tried, but back then it was possible to leave stuff att the railwaystation - maybe that´s not the optional thing to do with a laptop, but atleast it was possible (a few years back)

In my hotel in Delhi I could leave stuff, IF, i put it in a lockable metal bag, the ones you can buy anywhere in India. I think I would use one of those, lock my computer in it, not let anybody know it´s a computer, and then leave it with some hotel I´ve stayed at, and that I fell somewhat safe with.

Good luck!

Another option, is to get a really small computer, which is easy to always have with you. Siemens p7010 is a beautiful little thing, only 10´´ screen - so really easy to travel around with, (we´re looking at buying one before our next india trip)

All the best
/T