On Wed, 3 Dec 2003, Paul Eriksson wrote: > In January I'm going on a extended phototrip and need som memory storage. > My first thought was a portable harddrive but I've come to the conclussion > that a laptop is a better choise. Now to my question what do you guys/gals > suggest/use? The computer will be used both as storage and editing. What > about memory, harddrive size, processor, connections(USB, Firewire, etc) the > screen? Any suggestions are very wellcome.
For travel purposes I would prioritize items in this order: * Reliability (look for a 3yr warranty, choose a "corporate" vs "consumer" laptop, the corporate ones are normally better made. Compaq Evo (corporate) vs Compaq Presario (consumer)). * Size. 3lb laptops are nice to travel with, 6lb ones aren't. * Good amount of memory (512mb) and disk * Reasonable processor (anything over 700mhz is pretty reasonable in my book) * Reasonable battery life (3-4 hours gives you time to do photo editing on the plane) * CD-R burner or just carry an external firewire/usb 2.0 disk for backups. * built in wireless (nice for home and hotels that have it) I use a Compaq Evo n400 for travelling and it works great. This is a 3.5lb, 700mhz, 40g, 512mb machine. It has a 1024x768 12" display that is easy to read and a keyboard with good pitch and travel. It is small enough that I don't mind carrying it. Battery life isn't ideal (about 2hrs with the built-in battery, 5 with the external) and is the main thing that I would change. It has no CD-R. Similar machines are available from IBM, Dell, and probably Toshiba. Buying last years models on closeout or a used machine is a good way to save money. I would rather have a well made 1 year old corporate laptop with 2 years left on the warranty than a brand new consumer laptop with a 1 year warranty. alex
