Hi all!
So you may remember way back when I was planning this trip, I had serious doubts about whether or not it was worth it for me to bring my own personal computer along for the ride. Nine months on, I can tell you that my computer has been the most valuable thing I could have brought with me. For everyone who said that it would take up valuable space in my bag…perhaps you don’t have a netbook, but this thing is TINY!
So, anyway, I bought an Acer netbook for the price of about $250 (if I remember correctly) a few weeks before I left. I was a little nervous about it breaking down or having some sort of strange computer problem that I would never be able to fix…but so far, so good (knock on wood).
To make this review easy, I’ve just divided up my thoughts into an easy pro/con list:
Pros:
1) Small and very light…maximum 2 pounds.
2) Fast with a lot of memory; perfect for picture storage, etc.
3) Mine has a built in webcam, which theoretically is great for skyping, if you have the internet capability.
4) Excellent wi-fi pick up. Has helped me more than once.
5) I cannot describe in words the value of having a laptop with you; especially if you are blogging, or in an in-between spot of your life (like myself), where graduate school applications are constantly being revised and worked on.
6) I’ve saved a lot of money being able to pick up free wi-fi on my own computer than constantly having to go to internet cafes.
I literally only have one “con”, and that is that my webcam doesn’t work and hasn’t since the day I bought it. Probably something I can fix when I’m back in the United States though.
Anyway, that’s that. The moral of the story? Get a laptop if you have even the slightest idea that you may be needing it for professional or personal reasons.
Cheers!
As always, you can email me (kim.e.reuter@gmail.com) for mor info/questions/etc.!
