Electronics

It is true that we could have taken no electronic goods with us at all. Indeed it would certainly have saved a lot of weight, but we wanted to record our ride on our web site, take photos, read books, etc.

Computer

We could not have bothered carrying a computer. We could just use internet cafes all the time, but we wanted to be able to write our blog and web site whilst we were offline and then simply upload it to the web server when we could get a connection to the internet. So we decided to buy a small laptop. We agonized for months over what type to go for. Should it be a laptop or a netbook. Hard drive or solid state drive, etc. etc.

Finally, we bought an Acer Aspire One Pro. The key reasons for this selection, (at that time):

• Only 1.17kg
• Small light power supply
• 7.5 hour battery life
• 64gb Solid State Drive + expansion with SS memory cards
• Bluetooth and wireless built in
• Fast Intel Atom processor

The only downside is that it doesn’t have a built in Optical drive, but to get this in such a small package would have cost a lot more.

We have been entirely happy with it. It has been bounced around in our panniers for the last three months and we have had no problems. I made back up discs and left them with our son before we left.

Camera

We use a Panasonic Lumix FZ18 compact camera which has an 18 x optical zoom. We also have a polarizing filter and a UV filter.

E-book

Steve has a Sony E- reader so as not to carry paperback books all the time and has used it a lot, having so far read all the classic books that come free with the book. It charges from the laptop computer.

The only downside of the Sony E reader is that in the UK they have signed an exclusive deal with Waterstones Book shop. You can only buy books from them and you pay top price. Other books like the Amazon e book do not suffer this problem. This fact alone means that when Karen wants one we will not buy a Sony.

Two Way Radios

We thought it would be useful to be able to communicate with each other when cycling through the town in busy traffic, using hands free kits. We bought two way radios from Oregon Scientific. We also tried throat mikes and Oregon’s own headsets. Neither of these worked and we have dumped the radios as they just are not practical for hands free operation.

Electric Razor

Do I really need an electric razor I hear you ask? Simple answer no. I could grow a beard, but frankly I don’t like having a beard. I could use disposable razors, but I can’t be doing with the trouble of them. Instead I use a Philips, three head rechargeable. I have used these for years and they give you a good clean shave and a full charge will last about two months. This is my bit of luxury.

MP3 players

Each of us has an Apple iPod Nano. Steve tends to use his more than Karen, particularly when trying to get to sleep in a dormitory and on planes, trains or buses. The only problem we have with them is trying to synchronise two of them with the same Laptop computer. I still haven’t solved this problem. The ITunes software just wants to delete all of your music from your ipod if you try to sync it. Any help with that would be appreciated!

Cell Phone

As a leaving present from Steve’s work mates, he was given a Nokia Navigator 6110 which comes with a navigation system. We had a few problems getting it unlocked from its original Vodafone contract, but once having done that it has been fine and we have used its navigation capability on a few occasions to help us to find our way. When we arrived in Spain we also bought a local phone with a Spanish SIM for just 29euros. When we arrived in Portugal we didn’t even need to do that. We just bought a SIM from one of the local providers, Optimus, popped it in the phone and bingo. Job’s a good ‘un!

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