Backpacking/traveling around the world is a lot different now than it was just a few years ago. The last time I took an extended trip, nothing I needed was electronic.
Today, as I prepare for a few months in Asia, I’m bringing a laptop, cell phone, iPod and two digital cameras, not to mention the extra batteries, memory cards and cords that accompany each. It’s enough equipment to nearly fill my old daypack, which used to be the only bag I would need for months at a time.
No more.
To try to keep the weight and bulk of my equipment down, however, I’m considering leaving my regular laptop at home and picking up a netbook instead: in particular, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10. Why this netbook? Earlier this month, Dell released a version of the Mini 10 that includes a new GPS option, along with preloaded points of interest (POIs), which can make travel on the road a lot easier. I had the opportunity to preview it just before it launched.
The product is best suited for individuals without smart phones or GPS devices already in their cars and who don’t plan on getting either product anytime soon. I like the fact that there is no need to enter your location information—Loki software from Skyhook Wireless automatically discovers your position. CoPilot Live, from ALK Technologies, provides the maps, turn-by-turn navigation and POIs, such as gas stations, hotels and restaurants—important needs when on a road trip.
Regions currently supported include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. While the GPS feature won’t help me on my Asia trip, it will come in handy for my other upcoming travels, which include at least two U.S. road trips. Plus, starting at 2.6 pounds, the machine is nearly half the weight of my 5-pound MacBook; and its 74-square-inch frame (35 percent smaller than my Mac) slides more easily into rucksack pockets. I also wouldn’t be as upset if it were lost, stolen or broken during my travels compared to my regular laptop.
The downside?
The POI information is, frankly, limited, with no key details about the places featured, such as type of restaurant, hours, prices or reviews. In addition, even though the Dell starting price is a very reasonable $349, by the time you include the GPS add-on ($70), required HD screen for the GPS to work ($50), 56WHr Lithium-Ion 6-cell battery for longer life ($35) and Microsoft Office Home & Student ($99), which I need for my work on the road, the price comes to $603, including a $50 “instant savings.” (For a colored or patterned shell, add another $40.) Once my new toy reached the $500 mark, it was no longer a nice extra to have; it was now an investment.
Still, I’m undecided. I’m all for “the lighter, the better” when it comes to travel. And since I no longer own a car and depend on rentals (or the generosity of family and friends for use of their autos), it would be nice to have a portable GPS system as part of my mobile office.
I leave in three weeks. Any reader thoughts/suggestions?
