Suggestions for digital traveling gear (phone, computer)?

[rstl99]

Hi all.
I'm trying to make a wise tech investment and believe I can get some good advice from members here. I'm a bit of a luddite so most of my stuff is quite outdated.

I'm paying a visit to a friend in Tokyo in a few months, and am looking at around 15 hours total flight time, each way. Even though it may be ok to read books or watch endless in-flight movies, I thought some kind of digital communication and entertainment device may be nice (email, internet forums, mp3, avi viewer, etc.) I'm debating whether I should get myself a tablet or a small laptop (or even a netbook). I know about typing issues on tablet, and limited power and possible obsolescence of netbook. The idea of a Mac Air appeals to me (I have an older Windows laptop at home and am due for an upgrade). I'd like to keep a photo record of the trip (though I don't want to lug a big kit and stick out like a tourist any more than I already will), as well as maybe a bit of a travelogue. Mind you, I could write in a paper notebook and transcribe later, sometimes low-tech is the best solution!

The other 2 things I need are (1) a better camera (my "old" 5megapixel doesn't give me great pics, let alone video), and also (2) better communication (I have a very cheap no frills cell-phone with pay-as-you-go package). I'm thinking a smart phone (Iphone, Samsung Galaxy, Nokia) could kill 2 birds with one stone (Nokia have very good cameras for stills and video, I hear). I've never owned a smart phone so it's a bit overwhelming figuring out the various offerings, options, features, etc. Not to mention the network provider packages... Smart phone apps would help for things like GPS, city maps, currency conversion, etc.

Ideally, would be nice to have one travelling device, but not sure a smart phone would foot the bill for 15 hour flight time.

Expedition-content:
I should add that beyond this Japan trip, I plan on making other long-distance N-A road trips in the future, in my truck with Alaskan camper, so whatever tech I choose for Japan would also serve me for those trips as well.

So: what would you recommend I go with

1. smart phone only (rely on books and in-flight entertainment)

2. smart phone with tablet

3. smart phone with laptop

4. regular phone with tablet and camera

5. regular phone with laptop and camera

6. ??

Thanks a lot, and look forward to your thoughts/advice.

 

[ssssnake529]

Here's what I would recommend:

Android phone. I have a Casio Commando from Verizon. It is waterproof, shock resistant and very burly. You can drop it, dunk it in water, and run over it with your car, and it will still work.

It has a nice touch screen, and a good gps. I use if for navigation (using the $10 Backcountry Navigator app) and it has replaced my GPS for that purpose. When paired with the Delorme inReach, I can use it to send and receive text messages and email even when out of cell range. I have the Amazon Kindle app for the phone, so I can read Kindle books on the phone. You can listen to music, and even watch videos. Tons of game apps and other useful apps. Email and internet browsing are good. The built in camera is acceptable for taking snapshots etc. (and allows for underwater pictures,) but is not up to the quality of a good, dedicated compact camera (see below.)

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-Command...DOPI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327431672&sr=8-1


Canon S95 camera. One of the best of the compact cameras. Easy for a novice to use, but has the image quality and controls to allow you to continue using this camera if you become more serious about taking pictures. Very small and compact.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...HNGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327431614&sr=8-1


Small laptop:

Get one as small as possible that still has a usable keyboard and decent battery life.

 

[preacherman]

check out this thread I made.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...nnected-while-traveling?highlight=iPhone+iPad

I would personally recommend an iPad with 3G. The iPad with 3G is unlocked and can be used with any sim card in the world for Internet access. I have used laptops and net books overseas with different setups for internets and have always had problems. 3rd party software problems and glitches always pleague those set ups. The iPads 3G is already set up, will take any sim card from any carrier and has never given me 1 problem. I have used mine all over the world (see the thread for details). It also minimizes how much stuff you have to carry with you. No laptop bags, cords, or heavy computers that take forever to boot.

Plus with iTunes I rent movies (for 4.99) that I can watch on the plane or anytime on my trip. In the iTunes store you can rent movies that will stay on your iPad until watched or for up to 30 days. (once started the movie will only remain for 24 hours). It also has all my kindle books on it as well as tons of great travel apps.

I also have a camera connection kit that allows me to download pics to my iPad which I can then post to facebook. As well as I also have Skype on my iPad and call home almost every night (I even Skype camera chat with my kids) all over 3G or wifi. I drove around Tananzia and Kenya for 3 weeks this summer and called my kids every day, as well as stayed connected over email, watched movies at night and kept track of my funds with an app from my bank. All on my iPad.

It has been the bomb for me.

 

[preacherman]

Oh and to answer your other question I used to carry an unlocked blackberry with me, then an unlocked iphone but now that I carry the iPad I just carry a cheap pay as you go phone oversees. I only end up using it for local calls anyway.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

The iPhone is one of those things that you don't really know how good it is until you've owned it, then you can't imagine not having it. I had a Blackberry before my first iPhone which was a refurbished 3G. At first I thought I would miss the keyboard but the iPhones quickly changed my mind on that. It even integrated with my outlook calendar more cleanly than the Blackberry. Syncing it was far easier. Everything on the iPhone has just been easier to do. I haven't been without one now since 2008.
As for the iPad my wife liked hers alot but now that she has an iPhone doesnt use it much anymore. I bought up a 13in MacBook and dropped a SSD in it in 2009, so for me the iPad wasn't that big of a deal. I liked using my laptop more. The iPad was nice for playing games though. If your doing alot of travel you could get an unlocked iPhone. Good luck