Traveling with a laptop??

I'm going to Africa 2/1/04 for 15 days. I actually just ordered a new laptop from Dell, it's the Inspiron 300m. That thing is 2.9lbs and may tip the scale at 4ish lbs with the extra goodies. I get it next week so I will let you know how it works. It's a 12.5 inch screen which is fine for what I want to do, view and delete. I will not be looking to get final output from it but to play and view my shots while there. I figured I did not need a bigger screen for that since I have what I need for final output at home. I also have an Inspiron 8200 but it's just too much to carry....

That is a great solution, George. I have been looking at the 300M for a few weeks now, as my Compaq M300 needs to retire before my next trip in January.

But I have also been thinking about replacing my desktop at home, and getting something that isn't ultra ultra compact, but nothing like a brick, either.

I guess my eyes were drawn towards the IBM T40. Just a pound and a half heavier, but much more useful when bobbling around the USA. And it could be my main machine, as well. I think I can afford the extra weight, but I have always been concerned about the physical size of laptops, as well. The T40 comes in at about an inch thick, which is very very nice.

And then I started thinking about getting two different laptops. One for domestic use, and one for international use. I saw a killer deal on a Dell Inspiron 8600 with DVD burner for $1424. wow!!!! That is freaking cheap. Top of the line Dell Inspiron, with 512MB memory, 40GB drive, 15.4" wide screen. And then get a used ultralight, like a used Sony SRX77 or something. My budget goes up, but what the heck.

The only problem with getting a more affordable used ultralight is that USB 2.0 is a fairly recent endevaor, and not too many sub $1000 used ultrlights have them. USB 1.1 is just a pain in the a**.

$.02

abiggs wrote:And then I started thinking about getting two different laptops. One for domestic use, and one for international use.

*LOL* Yeah, honey I am saving a fortune now that I have gone digital! :roll:

ps: I was just notified my new Dell was shipped today.

No kidding. I think the only thing we are saving is the headaches associated with film development. But we are picking up other headaches along the way.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love digital, and I will only shoot film when it makes sense to do so. But I also recognize the costs of going digital.

I think I am going to get the Dell 8600. Free DVD burner offer ends today!!!

You really have to be careful even if you call ahead. A friend of mine did so as he always does. When getting on one of the planes he was told that one of his bags was not allowed on the smaller plane. He explained that he had called ahead and that he would be allowed to put it in the stewards closet. She told him he couldn't. He very politely asked for her name and she said it was her plane and she made the rules and stormed into the cockpit. The pilot came out and sternly forced him off of the plane. After a conversation the pilot allowed him and his bag back on but it goes to show you what can happen. I always hold my breath till I'm seated on the plane.

Just a quick note: Today I got the Dell 300m. Man this thing is small, fast and the screen looks pretty good for a 12.5 inch size. Resolution is 1024x768 so that's not bad for most everything I need it for.I think this will be great for travel at about 3 lbs. I got a media base so maybe another 1.5lbs will be added for those trips when I know I want to burn a CD or DVD while away for safety. It's 628meg RAM, 60 gig HD too so it's really a nice setup!

that's awesome, george. Have fun with the new toy!

What's the speed rating on that machine and how long is the battery rated for George?

Thanks!

Tony, it's a Pentium Centrino 1.2GHz if I remember. That's about a 1.6-1.7GHz P-IV. Battery is up there but I don't want to guess but I know it's way better then the 8200 Inspiron I have. OK, maybe 4-6hrs or so I read somewhere? Again, not really sure though.

I read somewhere that it is somewhere in the 3 to 3.5 hour range with the 'normal' battery.

abiggs wrote:I read somewhere that it is somewhere in the 3 to 3.5 hour range with the 'normal' battery.

That probably is correct...thanks! I will say this, the battery is VERY light so easy to bring a spare! I really don't need that option myself.

Run, don't walk, to find a green Canon Deluxe Gadget Case 10 which was marketed in 1996. B&H may still have them. It's great for laptops.

I am still using my original one and I have TWO spares on hand...that's how much I believe in this reasonably priced bag!

My Centrino (IBM T-40 1.5GHz) goes for about 5 hours on a single battery if I turn the screen to its lowest setting, turn off the radio, and do not use the DVD drive. With everything blazing - screen full bright, radio on and playing a movie so the drive is spinning the whole time, its about 2.5 hours.

E.J. Peiker wrote:My Centrino (IBM T-40 1.5GHz) goes for about 5 hours on a single battery if I turn the screen to its lowest setting, turn off the radio, and do not use the DVD drive. With everything blazing - screen full bright, radio on and playing a movie so the drive is spinning the whole time, its about 2.5 hours.

E.J.-

How do you like your T40? I need to purchase a laptop this week, and I have changed my mind dozens of times on what my entire computer situation will look like. I have finally decided to own 2 laptops, and no desktops. A lightweight desktop replacement, and an ultralight laptop for my overseas travels. The laptop for my desktop replacement needs to be able to drive a second monitor (21" Sony G520P) for photography. Can the T40 drive 2 at the same time, letting you 'expand' your desktop onto another screen?

I like the T40 a lot and having the wireless seemlessly integrated is nice. The T40 will drive a single external display plus its LCD simultaneously. I don't know if it can write different info to the LCD vs. the CRT. The only downside is that the LCD, in typical IBM fashion, is just horrible and is exactly the same screen as my 5 year old 600E had.

The LCD really has to be decent for me to consider it, as I travel too darned much to be near my home setup for minor image adjustments. I do adjustments for images that will be posted to the web, but prefer to do all of my adjustments for print on my profiled system back at home. I am hoping to at least get a machine with a decent display, like the Dell Ultrasharp LCD screens.

thanks for the input.

I definitely do not think its up to image editing standards. I would get the Dell Centrino then with the upgraded screen.