Laptop or Tablet? What exactly is your setup for being plugged in?
#26
Full Member
Part of touring to me, will be moving around touring and if I find a place I want to stay for a few weeks, months, whatever...then setup base camp for a while, explore the area in more depth, and then move on when done. I would like to figure out a compromise so that if I was in a place for a couple of weeks or in a tent at night, I am content with what I have. I don't plan on having a central place to return to so I will be indefinitely wandering so to speak. I don't have personal items that I am worried about losing, disposing, and starting over, but I would like to keep a core of electronics with me that I will be content with in all situations.
Whatever your choice(s) they will have to be powered and you will have to carry them (safely) from place to place.
#27
Senior Member
You're overthinking it. Basically the option is either get a 10-12" tablet and keyboard (with battery life being your main priority), or one of those new tiny laptops that you can find in most any electronics section that cost ~$200(with battery life being your main priority). You're screwed on keyboard and screen size either way, so they seem like minimal considerations. Battery life and internet connectivity are your issues. Personally, I'd Guess you'll stop being as internet dependent once you start touring, but I don't know you and could be way off base. If you will continue to internet a lot, get a tablet with a data plan. Make it an unlimited plan. Seek out the best provider coverage map since you plan to do lots of camping. Lots of phone companies don't spend the money to provide coverage to the forest animals. Whatever you get, delete Anything you don't need from it, make sure you don't have programs running in the background, keep it on battery save mode. And don't use google maps on your phone for directions. You'll kill your battery and your data. Use an offline GPS based app like maps.me. I think last time I checked, Verizon had the best coverage, but it's been a long time. Page Plus is a small cellular company that runs on Verizon cell towers, but is much cheaper than going through Verizon.
#28
Banned.
Thread Starter
Not really overthinking as much as seeing what all my options are so I can make the best informed choice. Little things come up that I would have not thought about if other folks didn't bring them up and my original thinking has more information to sort through now and make a better choice. Budgeting and costs are something I always need to be conscious of, so having as much information and variables that I might not think about, or solutions that I never heard about can come from others, which already has like that cool lit up keyboard. That alone actually can solve many of my problems and thinking on the matter. Besides, overthinking is better than a lack of thinking your way through things. Rather be guilty of overthinking it rather than," Didn't you think this through?"
Personally, I'd Guess you'll stop being as internet dependent once you start touring, but I don't know you and could be way off base.
I think so too in many ways, and I am OK with that if it happens. I have a good sense of navigation, can read maps, always know which way I am pointed for the most part (except in downtown Denver...you have to be a Denver-ite to get it), and am fine with extended periods of being disconnected. If I eventually become disconnected full-time, that would be fine too. I can be resourceful, acclimate in just about any U.S. environment and talk/deal with folks, have good street smarts as well as educated, and getting disconnected is not really that big of a deal if it naturally happens. My down time is spent either biking or screen time about biking for the most part anyway. I would venture to guess a lot of that screen time would drastically be cut once I actually start doing it. I don't plan on sensationalizing it, utilizing social media, or have a need to stay connected with friends and family kind of thing. It's mainly how I navigate the world now and I am 50 and was born before cell phones, so remember how we use to get in a car and just drive across the country asking directions all the way. I also know what it's like sitting in places with nothing and nothing to do, and screen time is good for that stuff. I can do anything on a cell phone screen if I have to. I am more worried about days I have down time and just want to park in front of the screen for a while. Watch a movie, watch videos, ask questions, and read more trying to reverse engineer the world some more and figure out exactly what this place really is.
If you will continue to internet a lot, get a tablet with a data plan. Make it an unlimited plan.
Seek out the best provider coverage map since you plan to do lots of camping.
Whatever you get, delete Anything you don't need from it, make sure you don't have programs running in the background, keep it on battery save mode. And don't use google maps on your phone for directions.You'll kill your battery and your data.
I do all the time, but in power save modes, I turn privacy off to save on draining resources. Agreed though.
Use an offline GPS based app like maps.me.
Prepaid with Verizon is a good deal too if you catch it right. I have been off their network for a while, but only because the phone wouldn't catch a tower reception in my apartment at the time. Now the only reason I don't switch back is because it's $40 prepaid a month on T-mobile which is super cheap. But if I get on the road again, I would probably switch back to Verizon because of the coverage in general, especially when I head into the Rocky Mountains. T-Mobile is horrible in the mountains.
#29
Banned.
Thread Starter
#30
Full Member
Actually it is and it's not, it just depends on the persons filters of the world,
So I would like to "tour" the world on my bicycle. Sorry that doesn't fit the "definition" of the forum, but I hope you don't kick me out or evict me before I can get enough information to figure out how I can go tour the world on my bicycle. That is one of the main reasons why I joined and paid for a membership. So I can utilize as much information here to go tour the world on my bicycle in a way that suites me and I hope to find some peace and joy in.
Thanks
So I would like to "tour" the world on my bicycle. Sorry that doesn't fit the "definition" of the forum, but I hope you don't kick me out or evict me before I can get enough information to figure out how I can go tour the world on my bicycle. That is one of the main reasons why I joined and paid for a membership. So I can utilize as much information here to go tour the world on my bicycle in a way that suites me and I hope to find some peace and joy in.
Thanks
The point I was trying to make and clearly failing was that most people on this forum do not tour in the style that you plan on touring.
Therefore, for your specific needs with respect to technology, the collective experience on this forum and most other bike touring forums will not be a lot of help.
That is not kicking you out or sending you away. That is a fact.
Specifically, your plans to set up home for undefined periods of time are different to most touring experiences here. Not all. Most. Not having a home base will have all kinds of implications for your technology use - warranties, subscriptions etc. all become more difficult if you wander with no fixed base, not to mention power, security and operating environment.
To get an idea of what others use have a look at gear lists of those on multi-year bike touring trips around the world. CrazyGuyOnABike is the place to start.
By the way, for an international bike tour, technology is the least of your concerns.
#31
Banned.
Thread Starter
Therefore, for your specific needs with respect to technology, the collective experience on this forum and most other bike touring forums will not be a lot of help.
That is not kicking you out or sending you away. That is a fact.
That is not kicking you out or sending you away. That is a fact.
Specifically, your plans to set up home for undefined periods of time are different to most touring experiences here.
I don't know what to expect, I don't know quite exactly what I am looking to do, other than just be mobile on my bike and see as much as I can before I can't anymore. I don't want to be plugged into people and communities anymore as much as just be in the world and going to see it now. I don't need a lot to do that and thinking I can combine touring, minamist lifestyle, and some down time between riding in new places, into the ultimate bike touring expedition.
Not all. Most.
Not having a home base will have all kinds of implications for your technology use - warranties, subscriptions etc. all become more difficult if you wander with no fixed base, not to mention power, security and operating environment.
To get an idea of what others use have a look at gear lists of those on multi-year bike touring trips around the world. CrazyGuyOnABike is the place to start.
By the way, for an international bike tour, technology is the least of your concerns.
Last edited by Bike Jedi; 07-30-19 at 09:50 AM.
#32
Full Member
It's not clear if you have even toured?
If you haven't, pack what you have and go where you can, even if it's only overnight. The best learning is doing.
Over and out
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#33
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Thread Starter
#34
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#35
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Thread Starter
"Thanks for this. This actually has been super helpful. You helped me to think about some other things I am not thinking about or considering, so this was more helpful than you know."
Why would it be a "good decision" if it's helping? Because it does not match a harmonic rhythm that meets the norm?
Wouldn't helping someone accomplish their own hopes, goals, or dreams, even if there is constructive criticism, be a good thing?
Or is social norm more important? I don't have normal social skills and don't do well in situations like that. Actually, I do if I fake it, but I would rather not fake it and just be me instead. Do you have some advice for me on what to do since I struggle with stuff like that so folks don't shut me down, and others don't rush in to support and encourage shutting folks down, verses just being honest, have communication, and allow people to learn their lessons us being different?
Why would it be a "good decision" if it's helping? Because it does not match a harmonic rhythm that meets the norm?
Wouldn't helping someone accomplish their own hopes, goals, or dreams, even if there is constructive criticism, be a good thing?
Or is social norm more important? I don't have normal social skills and don't do well in situations like that. Actually, I do if I fake it, but I would rather not fake it and just be me instead. Do you have some advice for me on what to do since I struggle with stuff like that so folks don't shut me down, and others don't rush in to support and encourage shutting folks down, verses just being honest, have communication, and allow people to learn their lessons us being different?
Last edited by Bike Jedi; 07-30-19 at 11:46 AM.
#36
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"Thanks for this. This actually has been super helpful. You helped me to think about some other things I am not thinking about or considering, so this was more helpful than you know."
Why would it be a "good decision" if it's helping? Because it does not match a harmonic rhythm that meets the norm?
Wouldn't helping someone accomplish their own hopes, goals, or dreams, even if there is constructive criticism, be a good thing?
Or is social norm more important? I don't have normal social skills and don't do well in situations like that. Actually, I do if I fake it, but I would rather not fake it and just be me instead. Do you have some advice for me on what to do since I struggle with stuff like that so folks don't shut me down, and others rush in to support and encourage shutting folks down, verses just being honest, have communication, and allow people to learn their lessons us being different?
Why would it be a "good decision" if it's helping? Because it does not match a harmonic rhythm that meets the norm?
Wouldn't helping someone accomplish their own hopes, goals, or dreams, even if there is constructive criticism, be a good thing?
Or is social norm more important? I don't have normal social skills and don't do well in situations like that. Actually, I do if I fake it, but I would rather not fake it and just be me instead. Do you have some advice for me on what to do since I struggle with stuff like that so folks don't shut me down, and others rush in to support and encourage shutting folks down, verses just being honest, have communication, and allow people to learn their lessons us being different?
Iggy list just got longer.
#37
Banned.
Thread Starter
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#38
Senior Member
I think he means the "ignore" list. If that is what he meant, it just means that your posts won't show up when he looks at the forum. Basically it's a way to make the forum less frustrating if someone annoys or frustrates you.
In case it might help - https://www.pagepluscellular.com/plans/
$55/month unlimited text, talk, and data on Verizon network through Page Plus. $50/month if you sign up for auto-pay. Basically Verizon for much cheaper than Verizon last time I checked.
In case it might help - https://www.pagepluscellular.com/plans/
$55/month unlimited text, talk, and data on Verizon network through Page Plus. $50/month if you sign up for auto-pay. Basically Verizon for much cheaper than Verizon last time I checked.
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#39
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#40
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Thread Starter
I was just looking through the thread, I see no relative content that you added, you came in to voice your opinions and judgement without adding relative content, to state that someone is "full of it," which you have yet clearly stated what it is the person is full of, why you feel this, or given someone a chance to defend themselves as to your accusations, or just deem you as a rude and this is your M.O. Beating around the bush about nonsense that is not relative to topic, and polluting the thread, and then further suggesting to others that something is wrong and they should be ignored isn't very nice or helpful, and for what reason exactly?
How exactly is this helpful to my setup, needs, thread, or site?
Edited: That's too bad...it killed the thread, I didn't even get my needs met or taken care of, and it made it so that I shouldn't (or don't want to) ask anymore questions on the topic. Don't really understand the logic of coming in and doing that only to kill a thread and chase other folks away from answering. You can close the thread now.
How exactly is this helpful to my setup, needs, thread, or site?
Edited: That's too bad...it killed the thread, I didn't even get my needs met or taken care of, and it made it so that I shouldn't (or don't want to) ask anymore questions on the topic. Don't really understand the logic of coming in and doing that only to kill a thread and chase other folks away from answering. You can close the thread now.
Last edited by Bike Jedi; 08-04-19 at 10:22 AM.
#41
Harsh Adventurer
Lightweight laptop and charger
I faced the same dilemma about 18 months ago for my solo ride across the country. I carried my cell phone for navigation and communication, but I also carried a small, light and inexpensive laptop. I created a daily journal, posted and responded to FB, read, responded and created email and watched the occasional television program. I really appreciated a full size keyboard and display. I also updated and sent out a complicated spreadsheet that would not run on my tablet or phone.
I carried the HP Stream , a small thin laptop that weighs 2 pounds, not including the charging 'brick'. It runs for 10 hours on a battery charge and it has an electronic disk (no disk drive). I carried it in a cellophane bag for 3700 miles and 71 days through rain, snow, mud and extreme heat. I can't count how many times I dropped it. I also carried the 'Fensix Dart' universal charger, a very small, very light charger that delivers up to 65 watts of power - enough to power most laptops. I left the 'brick' at home. I charged the laptop about once per week whenever I stayed in a motel. I used the USB ports on the laptop as emergency power for charging my phone, GPS and lights if needed. Its not a fast computer, and it has very limited memory (32 GB for the 'C' drive and an optional 32 GB in a SD card), but it got the job done, and it only cost $180. I loaded only the programs I needed and purged the operating system of anything that I did not need. I still have it. The outer case is scratched up, but it still functions perfectly. I will carry it again on my next tour.
I carried the HP Stream , a small thin laptop that weighs 2 pounds, not including the charging 'brick'. It runs for 10 hours on a battery charge and it has an electronic disk (no disk drive). I carried it in a cellophane bag for 3700 miles and 71 days through rain, snow, mud and extreme heat. I can't count how many times I dropped it. I also carried the 'Fensix Dart' universal charger, a very small, very light charger that delivers up to 65 watts of power - enough to power most laptops. I left the 'brick' at home. I charged the laptop about once per week whenever I stayed in a motel. I used the USB ports on the laptop as emergency power for charging my phone, GPS and lights if needed. Its not a fast computer, and it has very limited memory (32 GB for the 'C' drive and an optional 32 GB in a SD card), but it got the job done, and it only cost $180. I loaded only the programs I needed and purged the operating system of anything that I did not need. I still have it. The outer case is scratched up, but it still functions perfectly. I will carry it again on my next tour.
#42
Senior Member
I only take a Sat. phone, and a handheld UHF 2 way radio, not interest in internet use anymore whilst I am touring. I have a radio, a small transistor one, that I can use an usb stick with audio books, to listen while I ride, as well as FM radio, don't need anything else.
#43
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I would think about keeping the Iphone (for basic calls/texts etc) & getting a fairly nice 10" tablet for other uses. I'm not an expert, but don't the better tablets often have an advantage of lighter weight, more battery life & faster processors than the cheaper ones? A laptop has the advantage of the separate keyboard but that's extra weight & folks seem to manage without it in most cases. Also, light-weight laptops seem to be a bit pricey.
Those portable Bluetooth keyboards are pretty cheap & light but I don't know if I would bother, another thing to charge. & yes, the whole charging bit is a problem. A big power bank adds some weight but adds flexibility, perhaps one would only need to charge phone/tablet/power bank once a week?
Those portable Bluetooth keyboards are pretty cheap & light but I don't know if I would bother, another thing to charge. & yes, the whole charging bit is a problem. A big power bank adds some weight but adds flexibility, perhaps one would only need to charge phone/tablet/power bank once a week?
#44
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I would think about keeping the Iphone (for basic calls/texts etc) & getting a fairly nice 10" tablet for other uses. I'm not an expert, but don't the better tablets often have an advantage of lighter weight, more battery life & faster processors than the cheaper ones? A laptop has the advantage of the separate keyboard but that's extra weight & folks seem to manage without it in most cases. Also, light-weight laptops seem to be a bit pricey.
Those portable Bluetooth keyboards are pretty cheap & light but I don't know if I would bother, another thing to charge. & yes, the whole charging bit is a problem. A big power bank adds some weight but adds flexibility, perhaps one would only need to charge phone/tablet/power bank once a week?
Those portable Bluetooth keyboards are pretty cheap & light but I don't know if I would bother, another thing to charge. & yes, the whole charging bit is a problem. A big power bank adds some weight but adds flexibility, perhaps one would only need to charge phone/tablet/power bank once a week?
2. Battery life is largely determined by screen size. One edge case would be an e-ink tablet. If energy saving is your top priority, you may want to consider something like the Boox Note. It is a 10.3 inch tablet that runs on Android and battery life is counted in days. (like a larger version of the Kindle Paper White). This kind of tablet is meant to read and annotate pdf files. But it can also be used to browse, process emails, etc. Downside is a grayscale screen with a very slow refresh rate -- google maps is barely usable.
#45
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All of my PCs are post-2006 now. My only mobile is a little Walkman radio with a broken tape recorder and membrane speakers. It's operating system is good for oldies and baseball games, a really sound platform.
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#46
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Remember that even God was a newbie once folks.
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#47
Banned.
Thread Starter
It means that your posts won't show in his feed but all of our quotes of your posts will. I'm surprised there aren't people who block everybody for the principle. If you block the people you don't care to hear, you'll never know if your paranoia was correct.
Remember that even God was a newbie once folks.
Remember that even God was a newbie once folks.
Remember that even God was a newbie once folks.
I don't need anyone coming in an defending me with hypocrisy that other's get their butts kicked for doing the same thing but different outcomes in other threads. If we can't talk about God, or selectively talk about God based on seniority or public acceptance all in the same way, then it shouldn't be mentioned on the site at all. Shouldn't be able to cherry pick your rules, but of course, you will. I would think for as long as you have been on the site, you would be able to discern that for yourself but obviously not.
As it was told to me in another thread, "This is a bicycle forum...please stick to that only." (paraphrased because it's not worth looking up)
So here we go...carry on with the double standard witch hunt...
Mod's please just close the thread. It's completely derailed and not even worth it. I have unsubscribed to the thread and not even worth it anymore. Thanks.
Last edited by Bike Jedi; 08-07-19 at 09:58 AM.
#48
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Dude, for your own sake, take a step back from the keyboard and breath. You are coming across as slightly unhinged with your constant persecution complex and dramatic judgements of simple internet banter, to the point of even attacking those trying to help you.
Stating that you doubt anyone is more honest than you or that 99.999999 of others can't be trusted doesn't help either. Do you want to be part of this community or just use any excuse to judge it.
One guy didn't like the religious comment - not everyone. Personally, I don't care either way and I suspect most feel the same.
Free advice. Take it or leave it, but you are curently digging yourself a hole with the rhetoric.
Stating that you doubt anyone is more honest than you or that 99.999999 of others can't be trusted doesn't help either. Do you want to be part of this community or just use any excuse to judge it.
One guy didn't like the religious comment - not everyone. Personally, I don't care either way and I suspect most feel the same.
Free advice. Take it or leave it, but you are curently digging yourself a hole with the rhetoric.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 08-11-19 at 12:37 AM.
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#49
Harsh Adventurer
I would think about keeping the Iphone (for basic calls/texts etc) & getting a fairly nice 10" tablet for other uses. I'm not an expert, but don't the better tablets often have an advantage of lighter weight, more battery life & faster processors than the cheaper ones? A laptop has the advantage of the separate keyboard but that's extra weight & folks seem to manage without it in most cases. Also, light-weight laptops seem to be a bit pricey.
Those portable Bluetooth keyboards are pretty cheap & light but I don't know if I would bother, another thing to charge. & yes, the whole charging bit is a problem. A big power bank adds some weight but adds flexibility, perhaps one would only need to charge phone/tablet/power bank once a week?
Those portable Bluetooth keyboards are pretty cheap & light but I don't know if I would bother, another thing to charge. & yes, the whole charging bit is a problem. A big power bank adds some weight but adds flexibility, perhaps one would only need to charge phone/tablet/power bank once a week?
#50
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...You mean visa kind of stuff [emphasis added] right? Yes, I know. Security for me is another issue to without having a home base or folks that care and are monitoring your travel and can get you home if something goes wrong. Injuries and health is always a factor too. What if an injury takes me down for weeks or months like it did a few times in the last couple of years and I don't have a home base or place to get to quickly to recover? There are a lot of things that say I should not do this and most people would think it's foolish, even other folks touring. I get that. I am just trying to figure out how to go tour the world without being an official "tour" person. It's difficult when you don't fit the norm or typical agenda, or more importantly, other's don't agree with your lifestyle, choices, or social or financial status.
It sounds like this Homeless Odyssey might be morphing into something that involves crossing borders. I wish to strongly caution the OP that if he shows up at a Canadian border post, he will be questioned closely about his travel plans in Canada. U.S. citizens do not need visas to enter Canada for short tourism purposes... BUT the Canadian Border Services Agency folks will still refuse entry to a traveler who appears to be planning to hang out in Canada for an indefinite period of time ("What is the purpose of your trip and how long are you planning to stay in Canada?") and who can't show evidence that he can support himself financially while in Canada. They would want to see that you have a bank account with enough money in it to finance your sojourn in Canada in any case, and that you can access it from Canada. Remember you cannot work legally in Canada without a work visa. Not having a home address in the U.S. to return to would also be a red flag as further evidence that the traveler intends to "move" to Canada and work here illegally, which would also result in refusal of entry. The OP's penchant for long rambling self-contradicting answers would annoy the border folks even more than they do the Forumites, the latter who, I think, are genuinely trying to help the OP accomplish his dream. The border agents just want to keep deadbeats out of the country. Please, I'm not saying the OP is a deadbeat, just that he might look like one to the people who secure our borders against them.
We hear American friends occasionally say, jokingly, "If this gets any worse, we're moving to Canada." We know they don't really mean it, but it is actually nearly impossible to move to Canada from anywhere unless you have a job offer or a few million dollars of assets you can invest, beyond your living expenses. A word to the wise.