Electronics Equipment and Gadgets
It is true that we could have taken no electronics 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. And besides I am a bit of a technophile, so taking computer, camera, phone, etc is an indulgence.
Computer
We could have done without 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 that a small laptop was an essential piece of electronics for us. We agonized for months over what computer 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 computer, (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. Our computer 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 ebook 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 ebook. It charges from the laptop computer.
The only downside of the particular make of ebook is that in the UK Sony signed an exclusive deal with Waterstones Book shop. You can only buy books from them and you pay top price. Other ebooks like the iRiver Story eBook Reader
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. of all of electronics gadgets these have been the most dissapointing.
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 and Karen doesn't find my kisses so enjoyable when I have one. I could use disposable razors, but I can't be doing with the trouble of them. Instead I use a Philips, three head rechargeable razor. I have used it for years and it gives 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 mobile phone, which comes with a navigation system. We had a few problems getting the phone 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 have to buy another phone fortunately. We just bought a SIM from one of the local providers, Optimus, popped it in the phone and bingo. Job's a good 'un! So as we travel around we are building up a list of international phone numbers. If you are confused about how various electronics items work have a look at the electronics page of How Stuff Works
