GO_OFFROAD replied:

only problem to keep in mind, the cheapest solution isnt always the easiest, or the best.

Ipods or flash drives etc are great for storing files while travelling, no laptop likes dust/moisture/vibration and Mil spec ones only seem to work in these conditions, but have seen some great stanley tool boxes converted to computers to be mounted in the car, with remote screen, and cordless mouse/ keyboard.

Peter 2 replied:

We've used Toshiba laptops with some success in rough, dusty conditions eg Anne Beadell, Connie Sue, Great Central Rd, Gunbarrel, Simpson and innumerable weekend and local trips, both for storing pics and live mapping with Oziexplorer.
Now use an Ipaq for the mapping and the laptop is fired up when needed to store pics.
Much better to run everything via 12v rather than a 240v inverter, more economical with power. I've never liked the idea of 240v in the vehicle when travelling.

motherhen replied:

I'd like to see a spot on Exploroz for where travellers who don't have all that mobile modern stuff can plug in their laptops successfully. In WA we have (coomunity run not-for-profit) Telecentres, but each centre may have different types of access and opening times. They all have public computers, pricing reasonable, but may vary in each centre. Here at Bridgetown our Telecentre only had network access, which meant the laptop needed a network card (most new ones do), so a separate phone line was put in just for the travellers who were being turned away. I think only one has used the new facility! A listing of cheap access points around Oz would be great. Would this be of interest of use to others? If so, we could ask David & Michelle to take up the challenge.

Woobla (WA) replied:

sorry that link didnt work. It is the neltronics website and look under smart rider.

Austravel replied:

Great ideas so far, keep em coming!!

Member - Anni M (SA) replied:

We have spent 9 months on the road, out of the last 15 months, so we have had a chance to learn by experience. I'll deal with you questions one at a time:
1. We used Mail Away for our mail transfer. It isn't cheap, but they are incredibly reliable. All our mail found its way to us without any difficulty, and nothing was lost (except when Australia Post got it wrong!)
2, We paid bills either by the internet, or in post offices, or just by cheque if the other options weren't available. Mail Away had all our mail to us before bills were overdue.
3. We used our current email accounts, and just accessed them with the laptop. I did meet someone who recommended PocketMail, which looked very good - not free, but quite cost effective. The other thing to do is to have a CDMA phone account with My Hour and send your emails then - its free.
4. I took 965 digital photos last trip and just downloaded them onto the laptop. We also backed it up by burning them on to CD so we didn't lose them if anything awful happened. CD's don't cost much.
5. We carry a NEC laptop which has proved to be very reliable, and hasn't had much in the way of problems. We did have to blow dust out of the keyboard occassionally, but it didn't get into the processor. We use it for emails, internet, mapping etc. We also have an IPAQ mounted on the dashboard which we use solely for mobile mapping. We have had no trouble with dust in it.

We found that investing in good quality bags for things worked well, so the computer was in a good padded computer bag, the camera was in a Lowepro bag (just as well as I dunked it into Tunnel Creek with no damage!) It costs money, but so does insurance or replacement!

We stored everything in clip on plastic boxes. We didn't have a problem with the tops coming off, and everything was kept tidy and protected from dust. Oddly enough the only thing that was affected by dust was the CD player in the car! We fixed that by cleaning it regularly with an antistatic cloth.

Just a quick comment about food - you don't have to change your diet because you are travelling. Good planning and good packing means you can eat just as you would at home.

I can't wait to go again. Happy travelling
Anni

Austravel replied:

Thanks for the ideas, will put them in my folder for next year.