Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Communications
portable word processor portable word processor
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 25 Aug 2001
strikingviking's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Posts: 115
portable word processor
I am riding to SA next month and need a light weight portable word processor to take along. I don't want a laptop, but would like a full size keyboard and screen. It must have downloading capabilities and maybe even save to disk. Would like to have something also that is low on power consumption. There is something called the calcuscribe out, there but it only has an eight line screen. Any suggestions?
__________________
EARTH RIDE!
Understanding the world through adventure travel.
www.strikingviking.net
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Aug 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Vigo, Spain
Posts: 69
Well, I just researched that calcuscribe thingy and, while I've not seen one in the flesh, by what I found on the web I wouldn't take one riding with me in a million years. Clearly targeted for growing kids and almost as big as a small notebook pc. My advice is that you research the currnet line of PDA-handheld computers and find something in your price range. There is a folding keyboard for many of them (forgot the brand) that is awesome, just as good as a laptop one in size and feel. Granted, you don't get a full-size screen, but their screens are now very good. Take a look at compaq's iPaq and you'll be convinced (or not - big $$$).

Other than that, if you want a laptop-like keyboard and a laptop-like screen... get a laptop. A small, not so young, cheap machine will do on the road as long as it gets good battery life. I would go the iPaq way, though. Amazing capabilities there.

Just my thoughts, your mileage may vary.

Roberto.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jan 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 14



I would suggest looking at Psion's range of PDAs. My experiences with a Series 5 (or Series 5mx) have been good.
</p>


The devices are powered by regular AA batteries (no charging problems) and have the best keyboard I've seen so far.
</p>


Durability might be an issue, especially with the hinges, but I've had no problems.
</p>


http://www.psion.com
__________________
Ein Schwein, das nicht fliegt, ist nur ein gewöhnliches Schwein
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Feb 2002
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 30
I am planning on buying a Sony Picturebook for my trip (VAIO Picturebook C1 (PCG-C1VP)) (http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio/picturebook/index.shtml) it is pricy (arround $2000), but it has all the features of a laptop, but with a smaller keyboard and screen making it realy compact and light for travelling. It has an extra long battery life, USB port and large Hard Drive (usefull if you travel with a digital camera or want to bring some MP3's on the road). Another big plus is that it has a built in digital camera. Not good for real photos, but easy to get some roadside pictures of you and the bike that are good enough to upload to the web. As such I think it is a good all-purpose RTW PC. Both Fijutsu and Cannon make similar size PC's but without the camera, but from what I can tell, the Sony is the best.

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Feb 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
The Sony looks interesting, we'll be waiting to hear how it does.

I would recommend getting a real digital camera that is compatible with the Sony though. The idea of getting the laptop out to take pics at the side of the road will get old really fast, given that it should be at the bottom/back of the luggage.

Of course you also want to make sure it's well protected against shock and vibration. There's lots of info in other posts here on that.

Let us know how you do!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Feb 2002
strikingviking's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Posts: 115
hey guys,
Let me answer my own question. Sony is extremely durable, have just taken it through the most brutal paces I could imagine and the camera (forgot model but is the top one) and Vaio notebook never skipped a beat and they are a match made in heaven. Check my photos on my site, I know zero about photography. I pull over rain or shine or when snowing for that matter and simply point and shoot. Later download to floppies in my hotel and e mail them home. Depending on resolution it can take from ten seconds to two minutes for each photo on the oldest of machines.
Glen www.strikingviking.net
__________________
EARTH RIDE!
Understanding the world through adventure travel.
www.strikingviking.net
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 19:02.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top