Question:
Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
My wife and I have decided to chuck it all in and go travelling in Europe for the summer. We want to take photos and try our luck at travel writing.
1) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
2) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Dreamweaver, Photoshop
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Travelling in my rucksack
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Have been looking at Panasonic Toughbook cf-18
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
4hrs
7) What is your budget?
No Budget
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No
9) What country are you buying this in?
UK - Europe
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
NA
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
NA
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook’s looks and stylishness important to you?
No
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
12-36 months
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
40-60gb
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
Yes - but an external would be an acceptable alternative
I think probably the ultra tough is the main critirion as it have to live in our backpacks while on the move. That doesn't rule out a small standard laptop with suitable protective case.
Answer:
Re: Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
sony do some good ultra portable laptops.
Try filling out the FAQ which can be found in this forum, then ppl will have a better idea of what to get you. :)
Answer:
Re: Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
Try IBM X series, those are the ultraportable ones in IBM. I can't remember the latest model numbers, though. They're somewhat pricey but they're really tough!
Answer:
Re: Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
Panasonic makes a series of rugged and semi-rugged notebooks. The semi-rugged models are actually very stylish--I suggest you take a look at the 12 inch Panasonic Toughbook W-4.
Answer:
Re: Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
The X41 is definitely a nice notebook - also try the X32 for more power. It uses the 2.5" hard drives, which are much faster than the 1.8" used in the X41.
Answer:
Re: Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
Hmm...
I would recommend the IBM X-Series, but I'm usually very wary of Tablet Notebooks (I must have a phobia for Tablets) - their hinges aren't the strongest out there. The ToughBook suggest by Spaceman gets my vote for this reason.
Answer:
Re: Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
The ThinkPad X-series comes in both tablet and non-tablet form :)
Answer:
Re: Backpacking in Europe with ? laptop
The ThinkPad X-series comes in both tablet and non-tablet form :)
Ah, I though you were talking about the tablet form (some people said X41 not X40). IMO, the ToughBook is still better - I believe the X-Series was meant more as an ultra-portable for the road warrior.