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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
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  #1  
Old 1 Jan 2016
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MAC laptops
Any Mac geeks out there? Thinking durability/vibrations ONLY. If you had a MacBookAir and a MacBookPro, which one would you take? I think perhaps the Pro has more moving parts so is not so good a choice?
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  #2  
Old 1 Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by lorraine View Post
If you had a MacBookAir and a MacBookPro, which one would you take?
Non of them i would sell them both and get a way cheaper Samsung Series 5 with 128GB SSD for a fraction of the Apple price! The left over money i would use to extend the trip. Here is another thread about wich computer to take: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...l-tablet-84837
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  #3  
Old 1 Jan 2016
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Both will be OK if they have SSD storage. My MacBook Air with 500MB SSD is over four years old and has stood up to many trips. Cheaper machines might not. Place a hanky between the keyboard and the screen to prevent rubbing.

Because I continue to use Mapsource I run a Windows XP virtual machine using Parallels Desktop. Mapsource then opens in a window on the Mac screen.
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  #4  
Old 1 Jan 2016
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Definitely an SSD drive, and definitely a piece of cloth to prevent rubbing on the screen--just as Tim suggests above.

I'm currently transitioning to a tablet (iPad) with an armored case and an almost-fullsized Bluetooth keyboard. I now leave laptops at home. It's not ideal, but it sure is convenient. However, I don't do massive videos or RAW photos, and I don't use a lot of electronic map support.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
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  #5  
Old 1 Jan 2016
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FYI Thule makes the sturdiest cases I've found for MacBooks. My ssd MacBook is holding up well after 2 months in Africa. I'd bring an Air though if I had one.


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Old 2 Jan 2016
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I have a 2014 13 inch Mac Book Air 128 GB SSD and its great, I used it on my Thailand Laos trip and on my recent Balkans trip. Its been through 5 spills on the bike and is holding up great. SSD storage not too big but I carry a 1TB HDD with me to back everything up. I place it in a neoprene type sleeve and put an old handkerchief between the keys and the screen to stop the keys scratching the screen (learnt from experience) Works well for me

Wayne
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  #7  
Old 2 Jan 2016
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Hanky on screen!!!! OK, will do that, and take the Air since it's the one I like. Older models I've used have held up very well on the road, even leaving it on while going over bumpy tracks (I know, I know, not good, but I usually wrap them in my sleeping bag!). They've been great, I just wasn't sure about the newer models. Remember the clamshell? Happy sigh...

Thanks for all your thoughts (ta-rider, pfffshw... ;-)
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Old 3 Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by lorraine View Post
Hanky on screen!!!! OK, will do that, and take the Air since it's the one I like. Older models I've used have held up very well on the road, even leaving it on while going over bumpy tracks (I know, I know, not good, but I usually wrap them in my sleeping bag!). They've been great, I just wasn't sure about the newer models. Remember the clamshell? Happy sigh...

Thanks for all your thoughts (ta-rider, pfffshw... ;-)

yeah, i ended up with line across my screen from the space bar so i now use an unfolded hanky (nice and thin) which stops the rubbing

Wayne
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  #9  
Old 3 Jan 2016
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Mac
I have a MacBook Pro & my wife has a MacAir, they have travelled all thru Africa, Antarctica, Sth America & Asia they have been dropped stood on used as a drink mat, & everything else that riding a motorbike can throw at them.
We have not had a single problem & were even able to buy a new charger in Malawi. So I highly recommend them.

Cheers
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Old 5 Jan 2016
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My old chunky macbook did really well, about 4 years in and out of various top boxes. It was a dodgy generator that fried the motherboard, in Nepal, so i'd definetly recommend a surge protector.

My Samsung notebook is only 2 years old, the hinge is cracked, the chassis warped, and the battery bulging. I love my samsung phone but this will be the last Samsung laptop I buy.
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