Hiking Backpack Zone

Posts Tagged ‘netbooks’

The essence of backpacking is to take all that you need for your trip in a single bag that can be carried on your back, and therefore taking unnecessary items is not an option. Most people would agree though that a computer is an essential item these days.

Space is at a premium, so by packing a netbook something else will have to be left at home. After clothes and toiletries though, is there anything more important than a computer? In case you are still unconvinced, here are some reasons why netbooks are perfect for backpackers…

Reason #1 - Affordability

Costing between $200-400, netbooks are affordable, especially when compared to the cost of standard laptop computers. It is important to keep costs down, because the more money spent prior to traveling, the shorter the trip will probably have to be.

Even that amount may initially seem prohibitive though, however, just think of the accumulated costs of paying to use computers in Internet shops for the whole duration of a trip away. Spending even a dollar or two a day in them soon adds up.

Reason #2 - Portability

Another big selling point for netbooks is their compact size. Generally around 7″ to 10.1″ in size and weighing only a pound or so, they are easy to transport and store.

A larger laptop is not only heavier, it is also more difficult to conceal, whereas a small, discrete netbook can be hidden away from the eyes of opportunistic thieves.

Reason # 3 - Utility

Netbooks continue to pack in more and more features these days. Just a few things that backpackers can use them for include writing emails to keep family and friends up-to-date with their adventures, uploading photos to Facebook, writing a travel blog, or phoning home on Skype.

Also, thanks to the power of the Internet, a range of tools and extensive travel information are just a click away from the savvy backpacker. Backpackers can quickly get a variety of directions and information on attractions in a few short minutes.

Reason # 4 - Memories

You will want to remember as much about your trip as possible, and having a netbook with you allows you to do so. You can write a journal, store your photos and record audio or visual messages.

With the large size of the hard drive there is no need to hold back at all. You can save as many details of your trip as you want to.

So, if you are going on a backpacking trip soon, and do not yet have a netbook, or you have one but are not sure whether to take it, then hopefully you will now buy one, or pack your existing one.

Now, check out this buying guide, which gives unbiased reviews on cheap netbooks and cheap laptops.