Opinions wanted about 8 week trip: laptop or no?

paintedlotus

*EDIT:* Yeah, I'm a moron, I just now realized there's a freaking STICKY with a similar question (minus the part about the DSLR... so if you have any input about that let me know). Sorry!



Hey everyone, I'm heading back to India in late January/early Feb for hopefully 6 weeks and then two weeks in Turkey/Bulgaria. I'm definitely bringing my Canon 30D and a couple of lenses as well. Because of that, I'm vaguely considering bringing my laptop along, but what do you all think about that? If you were heading over with a DSLR for 8 weeks, would YOU bring the computer? It's small, a 13-inch Macbook. Normally I would never consider lugging it around, but for 8 weeks and untold numbers of RAW image files, well... I don't know. The other option is to bring a truckload of compact flash cards and download them when I get back, but that's going to be a LOT of memory cards because I plan on taking a LOT of pictures! That would get expensive though, and I'm trying to save as much money as possible right now.

I'm prepared to handle the plug adapter situation, and I believe the power brick handles up to 240v so it should be ok. I'm just curious what your opinions are about this.

Thanks in advance!!

PeakXV

These days it's more and more doable without one. But for the sake of an extra 6lbs - it's really a nobrainer to pack it up. It offers storage, music, DVD, & instant news updates & travel communication - 24/7 and if you're on a working vacation like me, a means to stay on top of things much more easily and on demand.

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We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time.
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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

brownboy66

we've all been there, done that.....

as peak said - for the minimal extra weight you carry it adds a whole lot of convenience to the trip. Happy travels

Brisso

To carry your favourite music and have friends round to your room in the evening after dinner to watch DVDs - priceless!

paintedlotus

Thanks for the feedback. I've actually found out that I can get a specific type of small portable hard drive with to upload all of the images on to without needing a computer to interface everything. I think this will be a lot easier than carrying the laptop around, even with the conveniences it will give me. I still haven't ruled it out completely but it's looking more like I'll pick up one of those hard drives instead.

midlifetravel

Why not just download images from your cards to CDs or DVD's = there will be heaps of shops offering this service - get 2 copies each time. Check them in the shop before you pay. Keep one with you, and mail one home or give the other to the person you are traveling with to put in their bag. Personally Ithink the risk is too great that a hard drive will be stolen or more likely break due to the heat/dust

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