Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Should I bring my laptop to Europe?

Should I bring my laptop to Europe?
My wife and I are travelling through Paris/Belgium/Netherlands for the holidays. We'll be using public trains and busses to get around. The laptop would be nice to have for uploading photos each day and gathering useful local information. However, the downside is it's one more thing to lug around as we move through Europe. Thanks, I'm from the US. I have outlet adapters and, thankfully, I won't need a voltage converter.
Other - Europe - 3 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Where are you from? If your not from Europe one point to consider is that the voltage system is different as well as they use the 2 pin plugs and sockets! You would probably have to bring a converter and travel adapter although your laptop ac adaptor should automatically convert the wattage but make sure it can first. Also to consider that sometimes the trains and buses can be quite full and having all the extra baggage makes it uncomfortable for everyone including yourself! I agree with you on the usefulness of having the laptop though. In the end you have to weigh the pros and the cons of having it with you. My advice - take it with you cuz there are many amazing things to see and take pictures of and lots of memorise to capture!!
Answer 2 :
Travelling light is a better way to go I think. You can always go to internet cafes and there is always more to carry than just the laptop (converters, etc.).
Answer 3 :
Yes, why not ?

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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Bringing my Laptop to Europe, can I use YMessenger Voice and Phone to call USA, others? At what costs?

Bringing my Laptop to Europe, can I use YMessenger Voice and Phone to call USA, others? At what costs?
Can I also use my YM Phone in number to answer calls.
Voice Calls - 1 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
I hate Yahoo! Voice. Try SMSDiscount.com, VoIPRaider.com, Nonoh.net instead! Best, cheapest of the lot! Doesn't matter where you are calling from. Could be from any part of the world!

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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

What do I need to take my Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop to Europe?

What do I need to take my Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop to Europe?
Do I need a plug adaptor or a power adaptor or both?
Laptops & Notebooks - 2 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
because europe uses 240 volt poser vs. our 120 volt you will need both, a power adapter (transformer) and the 2 prong plug adapter
Answer 2 :
before you do anything look at your power brick for your laptop. MOST power bricks handle 120-240volt range. If its listed at most you will just need an adapter to change the prongs for the european standard of wherever you are traveling to. You can buy those from radio shack or a local computer shop should have some adapters in stock.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Is it safe to bring laptop to Europe?

Is it safe to bring laptop to Europe?
I am fine traveling with my laptop through an airport, carrying it, taking it on a plane, etc. But... I am a little uncomfortable leaving it in the hotels. I'm not staying in any "bad" areas, but do you think its worth taking the chance? I don't have any confidential information on my laptop but my parents would kill me if I lost it. Is it worth it? i'll be in Europe for 3 weeks.
Packing & Preparation - 6 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
It depends on how long you are going to be in Europe for. Most hotels provide safes, and are very secure.
Answer 2 :
It's just material thing. Don't sweat over it, but don't do anything foolish like leaving it around or walking with it down dark alleys. You wouldn't do that in this country either. Just be careful and if it does get ripped off, you'll be able to get another one eventually. Be sure to have everything backed up just in case.
Answer 3 :
it depends of the country, but i was in usa with my laptop in an hotel in atlanta, and someone stole me ! i live in france and hotels are a very safe place here, you can bring your laptop with no fear at all ! i think in another countries like bulgaria, poland, romania, italy, prefer a hight rate hotel, but in france, spain, uk, germany, portugal, belgium, netherlands and nordic countries, it's very safe!
Answer 4 :
In general, when traveling you should only take what you absolutely NEED. Anything left at home means less weight to carry around and less worry. That goes double for the laptop. If this is a pleasure trip, why do you want to take it ? If it's for internet access, it MIGHT be more convenient to use a laptop from your room, but many hotels now have a "business center" or similar with computers available for guest use, sometimes for a fee, sometimes free. All major cities also have internet cafes where you can pop in to check your email or whatever. If you have any question about taking it, then you can probably afford to leave it at home. And if there is a real NEED for it, then you'll find a way to keep it safe. BTW - it is now permissible, when you cross borders, including returning to the US, for "the authorities" to inspect the contents of your laptop. Even if there is nothing bad for them to find, it's another hassle you can avoid most easily by leaving it at home.
Answer 5 :
It's safe as long as you dont carry it around or leave it unattended even for a second. I was robbed of my laptop near the Grand Plaas in Brussels, Belgium, when I put it down to take a picture. It is also unsafe to leave laptops on baggage racks on trains or in the lobbies of hotels, supermarkets etc. Most hotels in Europe offer Internet access either free or for a reasonable fee. I would suggest you use these, rather than undergo the hassles of carrying your laptop- which can get damaged in travel. The only problem with using Internet at hotels in Europe is their keyboards. They will usually be set for the local language. That can be easily solved if you ask the attendent to set the keyboard to English.
Answer 6 :
depends on the countries you're travelling too. europe is not one big country that's all the same

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