Notebook computer

[srmex]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had a notebook they used for cycle touring and if so which one? I've seen a few £99 ones which have a linux operating system and wondered what people thought.

Also, anyone know anything about the Garmin Oregon GPSs?

Cheers,
Sean

 

[codemander]

HP MINI

I used an HP mini (2133) on a recent trip. I got mine for a little under 200 quid, and I put windows XP on it myself, for the GPS/Mapping software.

Its fully encased in aluminium too, so it takes knocks pretty well, and survived horrendous rain in an altura dryline.

 

[andym]

I think the Samsung whatever-it-is is the one that has won out in the reviews.

You should be able to do email web browsing etc with Linux. When i looked at netbooks a few months ago there was concern that there were no Linux drivers for USB modems - but this has probably been fixed by now.

The major criticism I"ve read of the Garmin Oregon is that it's hard to read in bright sunlight - so, if you can, try before you buy.

 

[HJ]

Samsung NC10...

 

[srmex]

Cheers, guys.

Do they rattle themselves to death on the road or is it a good investment?
Sean

 

[ufkacbln]

I bought a Packard Bell Easynote XS before the fashion caught up and these small systems became available

It is amazing how much they can be used, I edit photos, routes and research all sorts of things.... invaluable.

Additionally it acts as a charger for the phones, GPS and other items.

As for transporting, I use a padded "Pelicase" which has kept the system safe, dry and secure over many thousands of miles commuting and or touring including off orad canal paths etc.

 

[CopperBrompton]

The Samsung NC10 and the eee 1000H (identical spec machines) are the netbooks of choice. Mine has survived being carried in pod bags on the trike, just wrapped in a jumper.

 

[chris667]

One of these will be perfect for touring, but you need to order it from Thailand and postage is $60.

http://www.norhtec.com/products/gecko/index.html

I've bought computers from them before, though.
I own an NC10, and I have to say I wouldn't take it touring.

 

[peanut]

this is what I use.
http://rathwjj.gfxtm.com/xubuntu-904-experienced-with-my-fujitsu-p-1030/
it has an 8 " screen which is touch screen so you can use your finger or the screen pen as well as the built in mouse.
Brilliant for movies ,

I have installed Fritz chess program , an MP3 jukebox with dozens of albums and several movies which really makes excellent use of the touch screen.
I also transfer my digital images and video to the notebook for editing and storage

They are rather old now 6 years + but still run Windows XP .
You can use a PCMCIA Netgear wireless card for Wi-Fi hotspots or use a 3G card to surf from your tent.

 

[Riverman]

Chris that netbook looks awesome. I've never seen a netbook running on AA batteries.

I guess you could take apart a USB dongle and fit the board into the internal USB port of the netbook from Thailand Chris mentioned

 

[NickC]

Asus Eee PC 901 running Windows XP. With solid state storage it's not vulnerable to vibration and is reliable even after bouncing around a bit. And its 16 gigs memory capacity makes it adequate for words and pictures. (Pity mine's got only the Dutch version of XP though; it slows me down a little.)

 

[TheDoctor]

+1 for Asus Eee. I have one and the batteries last for ever - well, 7 hours anyhow.

 

[xilios]

+2 for the Asus eee. Took it with us on a short tour this spring and it worked great.
Also got a 16GB SD card in it for more storage and had a few films in it
All the comforts of home

 

[jay clock]

I took an Acer Aspire One on tour - fab machine and better than the smaller Asus EEE 701 (i put my foot through the screen by mistake at home!)

 

[andym]

I took an Acer Aspire One on tour - fab machine and better than the smaller Asus EEE 701 (i put my foot through the screen by mistake at home!)

It's a nice machine - if you can get used to the strange (at least to me) position of the clicky buttons at the sides of the touchpad.