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“Should I bring a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone when traveling?” is a common question among many travelers. Dave Dean, a travel blogger from New Zealand, shares valuable tech advice to help answer this question.
We all know that modern technologies like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital cameras play a significant role in helping us explore and enjoy life while traveling. However, each device has its pros and cons that you should carefully consider before deciding which one to bring on your trip. This is not to mention issues related to cost, insurance, and security.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of bringing a smartphone, laptop, or tablet on your journey!
1. Mobile Phone
There are plenty of reasons to bring a mobile phone when traveling. In fact, for many travelers, a mobile phone is the first essential item they pack.
Advantages
- In addition to making calls and sending texts, it can also assist you in countless other activities such as acting as a compass, map for directions, alarm clock, calendar, calculator, camera, music player, and more.
- It's incredibly easy to connect with anyone when needed, even when you're not using 3G. In places like cafes, airports, or train stations, there's often free Wi-Fi available, allowing you to access any social network with ease.
- There are hundreds of useful travel apps on the phone that can be used offline, such as currency converters, translation tools, navigation aids, guidebooks, and trip planners, making your journey extremely convenient.
Disadvantages
- The phone's battery life is too short.
- The size of a phone screen isn't ideal for entertainment - reading books and watching movies just doesn't feel right on a small screen.
- Most websites don't have a mobile version.
- Only suitable for writing short texts.
Suggestions
Consider finding and selecting a suitable mobile phone for your travel. Nowadays, the emergence of a variety of smartphones worldwide can make your choice easier. However, remember to buy an unlocked phone version so you can use your sim card anywhere in the world, as well as enjoy cheaper call rates.
2. Tablet
If your work doesn't involve typing documents or editing videos, but revolves around checking emails or entertainment activities like web browsing, e-book reading, or movie watching, then you should leave your laptop at home and opt for a tablet instead!
Advantages
- Apps like Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Skype work better on a tablet than on a mobile phone, especially with a larger screen. Just ensure you have a strong internet connection.
- Battery life is usually longer than that of a mobile phone, especially when in airplane mode or using Wi-Fi only.
Disadvantages
- The larger size can sometimes be an issue. Even a 7-8 inch version might not fit well in a compact bag unless you're wearing a large coat.
– Heavier compared to a mobile phone.
– Taking photos with a tablet is truly a dreadful idea.
– Apps look no different than those on a smartphone.
Hint: You might consider the Google Nexus 7, compact and lightweight, remarkably reliable and powerful. Priced at $229 or $269 for Wi-Fi versions.
3. Laptop
Besides a mobile phone, a laptop is also worth considering bringing along. It's the easiest tool to connect with friends, family, store photos, entertain yourself during downtime on trips, and even finish pending work at the office.
– Price consideration: Bringing along a valuable and bulky item such as a laptop may increase concerns about theft or damage, which is typically not covered by travel insurance.
– Prone to dropping and breaking.
– Not truly essential for travel (you can't travel while constantly lugging around a bulky laptop).
Suggestions:
Depending on your needs, you should decide which type to bring. However, in general, you should opt for a thin and lightweight laptop, such as an Ultrabook or Macbook Air.
What items should you bring when traveling?
Explore our travel guide on Mytour for expert tips.
Discover more at MytourNovember 20, 2014
