Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Jul 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
ipad vs kindle

Last trip we took our MacBook Air which was great but not being able to charge it from the bike was a PITA.
So we brought an iPad for the next trip but it has a lot of short coming (should of done more research, ) I thought the iPad was a computer but it clearly isn't so now I'm thinking a Kindle and my HTC smart phone as a combo. I'd be taking the phone anyway and the Kindle has built in wifi.
I'm even thinking of taking the Mac again now and just making sure we keep it charged, what sort of reaction will we get in cafes etc in south america when asking to use there power socket whilst we have a coffee, do the camp sites have power sockets we'd be able to use?

I think I'm thinking too much, but we still have 10 months before the off and we're at the "last time that was crap how can we make it better" stage.

Wat do ya think?

Cheers
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jul 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
ipad

Ipad are fun but they are no computer , Iconia have a tablet which also use sim card and is window OS ,not a bad choice but why not taking a netbook they are small fast reliable and their battery last for as much as 8 hours ,it will all depend what you want to do with your computer .
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jul 2011
IainHarper's Avatar
HU Event Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Posts: 220
Horses for Courses

It very much depends on what you need/want to use a device for. The iPad and Kindle (and other ereaders) are totally different beasts.

There's a thread specific to Kindle and ereaders here and lots of others about laptop choice etc.

Do you just want occasional and basic web access for checking email and looking up info (Kindle would do for this), or do you need more than that (as most people do) for updating a blog etc.?

Maybe finding a charging solution that'll work with your bike is the answer rather than a different bit of kit?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 130
What about a converter,

I have one build in my 1200gsa. My macbook air has the highest use of 148w. I choose the 200w version and costed me only €35.00. Fits under the seat and i can recharged everything, camera, phone and laptop.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Jul 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
Depends on your needs: let/sublet appartment, pay lots of invoices, banking, keeping files, updating web? maybe a real computer.

For your smartphone, I would strongly recommend you a keyboard like the Stowaway Bluetooth Foldable Keyboard. I have used for many years, now with a Samsung Omnia running Windows Mobile (only downside a little small screen the cell), and it is absolutely great, you type as with a real keyboard. Check about your OS. So, if one of you has the computer (we had an Asus 1008P), the other can write mails in the smartphone easily.

And finally, if you may think about a HD for your IPad, you take a look at Hyperdrive. I have used a Colorspace O and it was really good quality (although expensive), great to download memory cards (photos and videos) without any computer.

Nice trip!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Translate with a Kindle? mark manley Communications 0 20 Jun 2011 21:03
Apple iPad + Michelin maps jparke Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 1 31 Mar 2010 04:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:56.