Electronic Brain
By Courtney S. Ries
Introduction to Computers
What in the world did you do before computers? Does the idea of being PC-less scare you so much that you're thinking of lugging it around on the road? Although you think you'd be able to manage without it on a two-week vacation in the Bahamas, what about a year-long journey that will have to trekking through the jungles in Brazil one month and then applying for jobs in England the next? There is music to listen to, DVDs to watch and organizational assets to consider. Yet, is your fancy-smancy number cruncher worth the hassle?
Computer Options
There are two types of computers that are used by the average person: laptops and desktops. Laptop computers are smaller, lighter computer that can be transported easily from one location to another. Desktop computers tend to stay in one place for long periods of time and are considerably heavier - and physically larger - than their laptop counterparts. Chances are, if you are thinking of taking a computer on the road, then you already own a laptop or will be purchasing one before the trip. If you are even remotely thinking about bringing a desktop, than you probably don't know anything about computers and you will survive just fine without one on your trip.
Laptops (and desktops) are available in one of two platforms: Mac or PC. Mac is short for Macintosh - a type of computer made by the Apple Corporation. PC is a general term for Personal Computer. The operating systems and setups are different and they are not compatible, although some of their programs are (like Microsoft Word for PC and Microsoft Word for Apple). 90% of the computer market uses PCs, but Macs have a die-hard following.
What is it? What does it do?
This newfangled contraption can do all sorts of things. You can listen to music, set an alarm, check the time, perform advanced (and not-so-advanced) mathematical equations, write documents, layout spreadsheets, watch DVDs, etc. etc. etc. The bottom line? There are a lot of things you can do with a computer, especially when it's hooked up to the internet.
Why You Should Bring a Computer
Works with your other devices: If you're bringing a PDA and you want to sync it with your computer, or packing a digital camera and you plan to use a specific transfer and editing program, it's a lot easier to use a personal computer versus one you've found in the basement of the hostel. Banking security: Internet banking isn't always the safest option. Unfortunately, there are people who have installed spy programs on some public computers. These programs record personal information such as account numbers and passwords and are used later on to electronically 'break in' to your accounts. If you have a personal computer, you can find a café that will give you a connection and you are able to surf - and bank - on your own machine. Business or school purposes: There are times when it's very difficult to completely get away, and you need to consider things such as papers/thesis/applications/resumes/etc. while you're on the road. It's a lot easier to work on a long application on your own computer, on your own time, instead of at a crappy internet café that's charging you $4/hour while you bang your head against the wall, trying to shake an idea loose. Travel-writing dreams: Planning on praticing some of that prolific prose? If you have dreams of being a travel writer, it's easier - and more beneficial - to record events on a computer for future editing. Scribbled shorthand notes on the back of receipts and in ratty journals take longer to physically write out and are usually not as detailed. Plus, they're a pain to transcribe later on.
Why You Should Not Bring a Computer
No room: Computers, even the newest, latest and greatest laptops, take up a sizeable amount of room in a backpack and/or daypack. They're at least a few pounds and when you throw in all the gear - mouse, convertors, battery - it can be a hefty addition. Safety concerns: People like computers. Computers are expensive. People without computers like to take them from those that do. Plus, you can't run as fast when you're dragging the PC and gear-environs along for the ride. Just kidding. But, seriously, laptops do make you a larger target for theft, either on your person or at a hostel. However, as an ironic twist, if you will spend a large amount of time worrying about your computer, it's not worth bringing either, because it will make you miserable. Fragile: If you drop a computer, it is probably going to break, in one way, shape or form. Computers don't like water/wine/other liquid spirits very much either. Conversion hassles: On a long trip, chances are you'll visit numerous countries, with differing plug-in systems and volts. Acquiring adapters, and using them correctly so as not to fry your machine, is just another problem to consider. Inability to get online: You will not always be able to get online. Even a wi-fi card will only hook you up if you are near a router that you have access to. This can severely limit the usefulness of a computer. Alternatives can do what you need: Think about your reasons for bringing a computer and look into other devices that may be able to perform the operations you need most. For example, a PDA can perform many of the functions of a computer. A mobile phone can also work as an alarm. Handheld devices such as the Alphasmart are excellent for recording text information.
So, Boots crew, do I take it?
BnA Seez: Negative, ghost rider. Unless one of the "bring" excuses has enough strength to override all of the "don't bring" reasons, it's best to sell the comp to your sister that's heading off to school and make yourself a bit of pocket cash for the road.
Recommended Devices
Article added on March 01, 2005
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