Not that I intend this blog to be a postcard for crass consumerism, but part of planning for big trips is about getting new gear. For this trip, it was important that I miniaturize a couple of key pieces so that I can comfortably carry them with me - my laptop and my camera. I have a great Thinkpad for work and while I regularly tote it around the world, it's big, heavy and belongs to work. Time to get my own.
After investigating a few of the subcompacts, I was torn between an IBM and a Fujitsu and there didn't seem to be a clear means of determining which one was better. First of all, I couldn't find a bricks and mortar store that carried both so I could try them out and the reviews were about equal. But as fate would have it, I saw the guy in front of me in a security line at the airport pull out the Fujitsu to put through x-ray and I got a first hand review. It was a rave and I ordered one the next day. If you're interested, it's the Fujitsu P7000D and it's pretty adorable. At three pounds and 10.5 hours of battery life I can take it with me everywhere to upload photos, write, check email, and blog away.
I also needed a new digital camera. While my Olympus 3040 has been a good camera, technology has advanced significantly in the four years since I bought it. It was now possible to get 5 megapixels in a pocket size package. After a little more online research, I ended up with a Pentax Optio X, also on recommendation. 5.1 ounces and .4 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches, it's small enough to fit in my back pocket.
A number of people have said that I should stay disconnected and inferred that taking a laptop would somehow sully the experience. I disagree. I'm going to be traveling alone, for the most part, and I like the idea of being able to stay in touch with friends and family. I also like the idea of being able to write (I can type far more quickly than write longhand), do research on the web (I plan on booking hotels online as I go), and get new tunes for my iPod. I like being digital, I like being connected. I don't intend it to take away from my experience but to enhance it. It will be interesting to see how many of the French are living the wireless lifestyle.
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