Can anybody offer some advice on traveling with a laptop? I am considering purchasing a Netbook (small laptop PC) so I can check in at work, respond to e-mail, etc., while on the road. Anybody use one? Can they easily connect to the Internet? Can you load navigation software to map out routes? I'm not really interested in the additional on-going cost of using a Blackberry, but for about $250 I can get a Netbook that I'm hoping will be just the ticket for my needs. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

I don't travel with one but, I work with a pc on a air card off shore. As for connection, dependes on the area your in, some places are better than others.

 

I have a macbook and at&t air card and use it all over if my cell has signal I can get on the net. Make sure the area you are traveling to has the signal for what cell card you get. And if you are going to go and get one remember you will be in a 2 year agreement. Most of the netbooks have wireless on them and there are a lot of places with wifi so make sure you want a 2 year at $60.00 plus taxes a month.

 

I always travel with my laptop. Years ago it was tough to find a good hook up sometimes. These days almost everywhere you go you can find a room with at least ethernet and most likely wireless. Even when I stop in small towns in out of the way places I have been able to find a connection. All the top chain motel outfits have wireless these days.

 

I have travelled with a laptop for the last two years and have never had a problem connecting to the internet. This year I purchased a Dell Mini just for the bike. It is only 7" x 9". Easy to pack and inexpensive.

 

I travel with my laptop and my air card. I am considering getting a netbook because they are so much smaller and for the most part, all I need is internet access. You can get all your navigation data on internet, but I don't know if you will be able to synch to your GPS. Typically, I have the majority of my navigation lined out before I leave the house and have all the possible routes already programmed....it doesn't mean that won't change along the way, though..

 

I agree you should not have a problem getting connected on the road, most hotels have internet. You can also get a air card to use....i have one and it works 90% of the time.

 

I have a IBM think pad w/wireless and it has been great...shaken pretty bad over several rides and never missed a beat...You can get a mini notebook that does just about everything you want for about $300.00... you may have to add some software but should do the trick...

 

Dell Mini-9. Small, easy to pack, and still useable - as long as I have my reading glasses ! :-) Because of the SSd (solid state drive) there are no moving parts, so it's less likely to get screwed up from being rattled around for days. Besides that, uses less power so battery lasts longer ...

 

I pack my Dell 1210 with 12" screen in my tourpak wherever I go. Almost always have a connection at hotels.