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Posted 6/7/2012 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Recently, 2 of our members have referred to going on vacation without a computer.

I (semi) joked that if I did that I would probably have withdrawal symptoms. Forget HW, I'm talking about emails, etc. The computer has become so entertwined in my life.

Anyway, I thought you'd enjoy this. Cheryl and I have mentioned going on vacation without a computer. But she reads a lot (I read too!). Recently, we got a kindle and we love that. We are looking at taking the kindle (much more convenient that packing books). Two weeks ago I got an IPAD from work. I love that and we just discovered the kindle app. We like that better than the kindle, so bottom line, we will be taking a computer (Ipad) on vacation again. I probably would have taken my netbook as always.

So, I am just amused by the fact that we seriously discussed not taking a computer, but now with this books thing, it is part of the computer, so we once again are back to taking the computer. What an intrinsic part of our lives.

Let me open it up to others here.

Do you take your computer on vacation?

Mel

 

Posted 6/7/2012 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
I could, but would not want to go without my iPad. I would not use it to work with, but rather I would surf the web and email friends (and not check work emails).
Posted 6/7/2012 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
This is a fascinating thread...
Posted 6/7/2012 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Complier:

I work in the computer field and let me tell you when my wife an I go on vacation, with the Nook color the Ipad, the IPhones and IPods and a portable DVD player, I have to lug all the chargers through the TSA scanners at the airport. They always do a double-take and even open my bag because of all the wires they see on the scanners. I put all this stuff in a clear plastic bag which help speed things up. So we are trying to cut down on carrying all this computer stuff on vacation for two reasons, first what I noted above and second you have to worry about stuff getting stolen on vacation. On my next vacation in September, I am bringing a paper back book to read, I can get to a computer anywhere.

Just my thoughts.

Joe

Post Edited (JerseyGuy) : 6/7/2012 10:44:02 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/7/2012 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yes. Good old Goodlife threw a craving on me at last years Baton Rouge event with his Ipad and I moved up to that. I love it and it goes most places with me. My netbook stays sitting here, abandoned now. My Iphone has all the stuff I use on a daily basis-browser, music, videos, books, plenty of interesting and useful (to me) apps etc. I seldom use it for texting or calls, but none the less it's the most used item I have. I think the use of new technology as it comes along is healthy for older folks, stimulating their brain with thinking and problem solving in using this stuff. I build my own home computers and when I want a new one, I spend months researching and planning, it keeps the brain cells happy. cool I also got a Kindle, but can't warm up to it, preferring my big, bright screened Ipad. My use of the computers, etc. is a hobby to me, as I am retired and seldom receive a personal email or such, it's all just for entertainment. I enjoy doing heavy demand video conversion, hence the homebuilt computers, but the rest is just a hobby. I could function without it with no pause in my daily life, but I enjoy it, so why not?



I seldom 'vacation' vacation anymore, but do short trips of interest to me, but I always will have the Iphone or Ipad, probably both, with me when I do.
Posted 6/7/2012 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
Lessee,
I have four for different reasons,

I have an iMac that I am typing this on. It's my primary personal computer.
I have a Macbook Air. It's monster of a notebook that has 7 hours a battery life and is fully updated with my other Apple products through iCloud.
I have a Dell XPS ~ This is my primary video box though I use it to do things I cannot do on a Mac for whatever reason.
I have a Dell 640. This is a company issue and the only box I can loving into our VPN at work.
Ruthie has a Dell ~ she likes it for games and email.

I have a Droid Bionic (going away as soon as iPhone adds 4gLTE) that has a decent processor and excellent hot spot technology that allows my to login virtually anywhere.

Ruthie has a similar smart phone.

I am never anywhere without connection. I have been on HW from some places I never thought I could get reception, but I have also taken my ATV's out to where there is no signal and that is pretty much the only places I can go without connection to the internet.

So yes, Mel, I was kinda thinking the same things. If I were to go to Europe, I would bring my Macbook Air. When Terry Herbert (from the YANA website) came out here for a visit from down under, he bought a cell phone when he got here so that he was easily reached, and he used the hotel hot spots when he was able to take a break and post.

Nope, I'll be bring the tools and answering pertinent email and messages...

PS Ruthie doesn't know it yet, but I know the iPad is coming soon. My 50th is three weeks away...

Tony
Posted 6/7/2012 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
You already know my view. We often go on weekend trips or RV trips with no computers, and only use our smart phones, for phone calls only. I honestly think there are people that are too severely attached to their computers and phone, it is as if they don't know how to communicate on their own. It's nice to take the breaks away from it. Remember, there was a time without any cell phones or pads or netbooks or laptops, and we all managed to function fine. It's nice to put it all away, and actually sit across from someone and talk face to face.

Sometimes at my house, when the kids are visiting, we will be in the living room, and instead of having serious dialouge, there are 4 to 5 people sitting there on laptops while playing with their phones. More like being in an internet cafe than in a family home.

You know this is coming next, all things (including phones and computers) in moderation, makes a balanced person.

david in sc
Posted 6/7/2012 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
I am hooked on the IPAD. Year and a half ago I told my wife that I had never really ever asked for anything, but if she really wanted to get me something, that is what I would like.

Lo and behold, she and the kids went together and got me one. Battery life is at least 10 hours of use, the apps are amazing, and really I rarely use any of my 6 computers around the house.

This year my daughter said, "Wonder what we could get Dad this year that he would use every day of the year.". I mentioned IPAD3, but she didn't bite.

I use it at work for my yellow note pad. Get back to the shop, I email it to myself, or print it out. All of my quotes/notes are always at my fingertips. I carry it to church as my bible. I have 4 days of music loaded on it. I have hundreds of pictures that I get by sticking my camera SD card inti it. I read Huckleberry Finn again on the reader. Hundreds of free books.

Honestly, it really is the neatest toy.

If you see my truck at Mcdonalds, I am not eating there. Just borrowing a little Wifi from the parking lot.

Goodlife
Posted 6/7/2012 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Do you take your computer on vacation?

my iphone is a computer but i also take an ipad.  i would not be without an internet connection.

ed

 

Posted 6/7/2012 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
When I was a young kid we lived in the back woods of Idaho. No telephone, no TV, and of course no computer. Just a AM radio and a shortwave. We made our own electricity with a water power. I remember looking out the window from the breckfast table one morning and seeing a bull moose looking back at me. What a life! Now, I wouldn't think of being without my pc. I can do without TV and radio (not music) but not my computer.

Oh, and that bull moose.....He was real tasty.


Rodney...
Posted 6/7/2012 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
I have mixed feelings on the subject. I see it in two contexts: work and personal.

I have my Blackberry "tether" that is also my phone. My job is such that I cannot completely check out for long periods such as 2 weeks but I dearly love to leave work behind. It is amazing how I start sleeping longer at nights when I am on vacation and stop thinking about work. So, I tend to compromise the best I can. The upside of staying connected, however, is I feel much more empowered to use flextime and work from all sorts of locations. I don't need to sit at my desk all the time. I like that part.

For personal stuff: I like having a Kindle and/or PC to keep up with personal items/emails and to check maps, weather, restaurant locations, etc. That does not stress me.

Posted 6/7/2012 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, interesting Thread... When my cell phone needed updating I found out that I couldn't get one without interent. I don't need, I don't want it. I want a phone, that's it!! Now I have a Iphone along with a Ipad and don't know how I ever did without them. On airplane trips I watch movies on my Ipad. While watching TV in the evening if something comes on that I want to reserach. My Ipad is right here by me. (or my wife). I like watching "American Pickers" and when they find somethng odd I can usually find it on ebay.
So would I take a computer on Vacation? Heck no, I wouldn't go to the store without Ipad or Iphone now. Strange how I changed my mind completely.
Posted 6/7/2012 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
bert exactly,
Whenever I travel and I want a coupon for savings or whatever, the best tool I have is my computing. Last vacation I took I brought it and when we wanted to go to dinner I found 2 for 1 coupons for each couple and it saved us collectively 30 bucks. I can do a lot of this today on my smart phone but the PC is way better.

I hate typing on super small keyboards so yes the Macbook is a regular part of travel today...business or leisure...

Tony
Posted 6/7/2012 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I hate typing on super small keyboards

with the latest iphone and ipad you can use your voice instead of your fingers, and it really does work very well unless you are in a noisy area or you are using uncommon language.

ed 

Posted 6/7/2012 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Where I go on vacation it would not matter if I had it or not. There is no wifi in them hills. Really guys I am appalled. (lol) I don't even like taking a phone on vacation. That is the point of vacation. Now recently we went to Las Vegas to see Dr. V. It was spring break so we cancelled our mountain vacation and headed to Vegas. We took our phones but left all other electronics at home. It is so nice to unplug. When we go snow shoeing we bring an emergency beacon and everything else stays with the rig. The idea of vacation is to get away. Now Mel I can see the kindle but we don't have one. There is just something comforting about turning pages to me. Just my thoughts
Posted 6/7/2012 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
"with the latest iphone and ipad you can use your voice instead of your fingers, and it really does work very well unless you are in a noisy area or you are using uncommon language."

I can do that on Droid, too. but when I'm in a meeting trying to look attentive that feature gives me away! And I usually have a lot of background noise so those features work best when I have a headset on and I don't like headsets. Instead just turning on the hot spot feature on my phone provides a full connection that allows me to have better visual interaction with my data products.

Tony
Posted 6/7/2012 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Tony -- i know you need a laptop for work, and you have a darn good one.  the biggest shortcoming of the ipad for me is i can't view raw files from my camera, which is a drag when i'm on vacation.  i can with a netbook or laptop but for everything else non-productive the ipad just suits me better.  i have yet another device that views raw files, tho cool .

my wife's droid phone also has voice but it doesn't work as well as siri.  i got the 4s for the camera, which is the best phone camera made, but i really have found siri to be quite excellent for voice e-mailing and texting as well as for making calls, especially with a bluetooth ear plug when i'm driving.

ed

 

Posted 6/7/2012 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
We always take laptop with us, my wife takes hers and I take mine. I do most of my graphics work on my HP laptop and video and photo editing on the imac. Never use the iphone for web surfing, but do use it quite often with the apps reading news and sports and checking radar (now I don't have to read a year old Time magazine while waiting at drs office) and listening to Bill Bennett if we are on a road trip. Like Tony I am computer poor with laptop and Dell tower and Powermac at work, and with imac, sony and hp at home. The computer that has given me less trouble than any was the Dell that still runs XP, that thing never crashed.

We are certainly tied to computers and a lot of times I wish I wasn't.

Ron
Posted 6/7/2012 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
my computer and my two cell phones. Without them I have to accept a complete lifestyle change. Have discussed this with people before. It's not just regarding gathering information, connecting socially or wasting time, it's about work. I am able to work across 3 continents because of VPN technology and portals. I'd have to go back to growing my own food without these technologies.
Posted 6/7/2012 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
looks like todd and i are in the extreme minority here, lol. you other guys, are you telling me that you couldn't live 24 hours without having to look on the net? sounds like addiction to me, lol.

david
Posted 6/7/2012 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
addiction/reliance and pay stub :)
Posted 6/7/2012 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Ed,

I put my SD card in the adapter which plugs in where the charger does and it uploads all my camera files to my IPad.

Goodlife
Posted 6/7/2012 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Go 24 hrs? Sure, that's no problem for me, as I have no family or work demands that require me to be connected. I could throw it away right now, if needed. However, as I said, I chose not to, because it is a hobby and time passing/wasting activity for me, in addition to providing multitude of visual, auditory and intellectual stimuli to my poor aging brain cells. Besides, I like it and you can't make me... turn
Posted 6/7/2012 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
dang, Dick! I hadn't even thought of doing that. I have complained before that the only drawback to the Ipad was the lack of SD cards. On my way to Amazon right now. Thanks, guy.
Posted 6/7/2012 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
My Ipad is an extension of my Iarm.  Wouldn't think of leaving for a vacation without it.  And...I'm off to Amazon too...thanks, Goodlife for the tip.  Now there are no I-flaws...

Tudpock (Jim)

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