When going on a trip, I usually review all of my electronics and think about what I should take with me. I used to carry my laptop with me without ever taking it out of my bag. But sometimes I have had to admit that I can’t help with a few things because I left an essential gadget at home. Smartphone, tablet, laptop – each of these devices has its pros and cons, in other words, they are suitable for travel of different plan.
Of course, you can always take a full set, but it is much more convenient to carry as little things as possible – so there is less chance that you will lose or forget somewhere in the hotel.
THE SMARTPHONE IS A UNIVERSAL COMPANION
We are used to having a smartphone with us most of the time. So, of course, we take it with us and on a trip. A big plus of a phone is its versatility. The phone performs many tasks necessary in a trip, in addition to just calling: navigation thanks to GPS and maps, photo and video camera, calculator and so on. Almost every hotel has Wi-Fi, allowing you to plan ahead, make reservations and buy bus tickets using your smartphone.
The cameras on most phones allow you to take great pictures and pretty good videos. In addition, the phone can be used as a flashlight, alarm clock or music player. The big pluses of the phone are its size and weight: it takes no space at all in your bag and taking it with you is no problem.
What can be a problem with the phone is the battery. Under normal conditions, the average smartphone battery lasts a day, with minimal use – a little longer. When traveling, the phone is used more than usual, so the battery is consumed faster, so you need to think carefully about how and when you can charge the phone to stay connected. To solve this problem helps a portable charger, the so-called powerbank.
The powerbank weighs about the same as the phone itself and will help you if the battery runs out.
In addition, the phone screen is relatively small, you can write letters or work with documents on them, of course, but it takes a lot longer than on devices with comfortable large monitors. If you know in advance that you will have to devote time to work – to send letters or read documents – a small screen and uncomfortable typing will quickly make you mad.
A TABLET FOR FUN
A tablet’s battery usually lasts longer than a phone’s. It’s easier to write long emails on a tablet, it’s easier to watch movies or TV shows, and it’s easier to search the web for information. On the other hand, although tablets don’t weigh much, they are still relatively large and take up a lot of room in your bag.
In addition, they are quite fragile, often not withstanding the tests from which smartphones emerge with honor.
The large glass surface can easily crack when you quickly pull the tablet out of the bag to catch a good shot. Not to mention an accidental drop…
It makes sense to get a sturdy case, especially if you plan to take the gadget out of the bag often to, for example, peek at a map or take a photo.
Since tablets tend to use the same apps as phones, typing is not the most convenient either. I’d probably take a tablet on a business trip, where I have to participate in meetings and read documents, but I’d leave it at home for a short weekend trip. Well, unless the kids would ask to watch cartoons.
Tablet prices start at a few hundred euros and I would recommend them to people who, on a long bus trip, would rather watch a film or read a book.
LAPTOP – THE BEST CHOICE FOR A BUSINESS TRIP
Laptops are more powerful than tablets and phones, they’re faster to get things done, and they’re generally more convenient for work than other portable devices. So if you need to work on a trip, a laptop will save you a lot of time compared to a phone or tablet.
On the other hand, on many trips, you simply don’t need a laptop. If you do not plan to constantly communicate on the Internet, write emails or use any specific programs while traveling, then there is no need to take a laptop.
The batteries of laptops run out much faster than those of tablets and phones.
It is possible to use a computer and the Internet in almost any hotel. And even the smallest laptop takes some space and weighs a lot.
AND A FEW MORE WORDS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY WHILE TRAVELING
All devices will have to be charged, so check the standard of power outlets in your destination and whether you have the right adapters. If you’re going on an extended trip, make sure your phone will also fit a local SIM card.
It’s worth insuring valuable equipment in case it breaks or falls into the wrong hands while you’re traveling. Make sure you’ve packed all chargers and other necessary accessories (like a memory card or flash drive) in your luggage.
