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Post by spindrift on Feb 11, 2010 18:23:40 GMT
Since I can't afford to buy a tiny NoteBook for my forthcoming trip, I'd like some advice about how to transport my 15inch screen laptop.
Should I pack it into my suitcase or should I take it in my handbaggage?
If I put it into the suitcase should I wrap it up in something in case the case is thrown into the hold of the aircraft?
What would you do?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 18:35:29 GMT
I have always carried such things in my hand luggage. Recently a friend of mine put his in his checked baggage and was not happy when his baggage did not arrive. (Yes, it was found later, but they always say: DO NOT CHECK VALUABLES!)
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Post by spindrift on Feb 11, 2010 18:40:04 GMT
If carrying as hand baggage would you put the laptop in its case and just take that or would you put it into a bigger bag (with other items you'd be carrying?)....perhaps I'll have to buy a new handbagge case....
do you know the allowed measurements of a hand-baggage case?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 18:47:42 GMT
I only use floppy bags, so measurements have no hold on me.
My laptop doesn't even have a case. Don't forget a socket adaptor for foreign plugs.
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Post by spindrift on Feb 11, 2010 18:50:12 GMT
Oh yes....thanks. I do have a floppy bag but it's not large enough. It's a Mr Kipling. I must find another. I might get bored if I don't take my laptop. There are no internet cafes within 20 miles.
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Post by auntieannie on Feb 11, 2010 18:53:07 GMT
I wouldn't take my laptop unless I absolutely HAVE to. It looks like such a parlava/palaver at security gates these days. What would happen if your laptop is broken or stolen?
edited to say I don't have a personal laptop anymore... although might have to get one soon.
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Post by spindrift on Feb 11, 2010 18:54:15 GMT
Oh, I didn't know about potential security problems.
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Post by auntieannie on Feb 11, 2010 19:31:43 GMT
you may want to read up about it on the airport's website, but I remember last time I was queuing at GVA airport that those travelling with a laptop in their handluggage had to keep it separate and all electronic equipment was inspected, etc. Targus does excellent cases. When I was richer and full of myself, I got both a small backpack and a suitcase. Still using them now... without laptop. www.targus.co.uk/uk/
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 19:33:35 GMT
75% of the people at security for long distance flights throw a laptop into the plastic bin (since you have to take it out of your bag). No problem.
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Post by spindrift on Feb 11, 2010 21:19:51 GMT
I might be obtuse (right word?) but are you saying they'll confiscate it?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2010 3:49:56 GMT
No, you just have to run it through separately in one of those plastic bins on the conveyor belt.
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Post by traveler63 on Feb 15, 2010 21:00:25 GMT
Here in the US, we have laptop cases that are TSA"friendly". That is a sleeve that goes around the laptop, with no zippers, metal, etc which then goes into the case and some of the outside cases have no metal, zippers, etc so you don't even need to take it out of the case. As long as they can shoot the x ray through the case you are good to go. I put it in a bin by itself. The rest of the case holds your plugs, mouse, etc. That goes in a separate bin. I always put this in between the carry on and the bin with your jacket, any metal, belt etc so the laptop is protected and isn't at the first or the last of your stuff. This cuts down on anyone trying to walk off with it. I have never had a problem with taking mine. I love mine because not only does it carry my laptop, but i usually put all my electronic stuff in it, phone, MP3 player, cords etc. Plus it has pockets for a water bottle, and I can get my files and book in there too. I can even get my point and shoot camera in the case too. Hope this helps you.
Spindrift, don't put anything in your checked luggage that you value. I know that every country is a little different regarding electronics. Mr. T63 had to take his camera out of the backpack along with every lens even though the you could look through the lens. This was going through security at Charles De Gaulle. When we arrived in Atlanta, GA, US he started to do the same thing and the gal said you don't have to do that. So...... just be prepared.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2010 21:20:56 GMT
Now that I travel with a netbook, I often do not bother to take it out of my bag, and there have been no comments.
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Post by spindrift on Feb 16, 2010 11:37:02 GMT
Thanks, T63.... I really should buy a Netbook but they cost a minimum of £230.
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Post by lagatta on Feb 16, 2010 12:48:03 GMT
Yeah, I really need one but unfortunately I had other pressing expenses. Soon.
spindrift, they may be cheaper outside Britain.
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Post by spindrift on Feb 16, 2010 14:01:02 GMT
Lagatta....I had a look in Phuket but they weren't cheaper. Perhaps they might be in India (where everything can be bargained down)
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Post by auntieannie on Feb 16, 2010 18:34:06 GMT
what about an iPhone or similar for quick internet fix?
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Post by imec on Feb 16, 2010 19:10:48 GMT
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Post by spindrift on Feb 16, 2010 22:29:49 GMT
Annie: that's a good idea. At present I'm stuck with a 12 month contract as I've recently upgraded my mobile Imec - that makes a very smart case. One thing is for sure, I can't ever get properly organized in the baggage department. I used to think I ought to carry Gucci or similar and now I'm just a scruff.
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Post by imec on Feb 17, 2010 1:12:35 GMT
btw - this ain't Gucci or anything close.... I got a couple of them free at a conference I attended ;D. The're just cheap tat and I've worn one out already.
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Post by lagatta on Feb 17, 2010 2:08:37 GMT
Cheap tat is better for laptops - not as appealing to thieves. One has to do SOMETHING with all those conference giveaways anyway.
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Post by traveler63 on Feb 18, 2010 0:06:52 GMT
Watch out for I Phones as you can have a huge bill at the end of the trip. We bought a data plan for our trip to Paris and used as much WI FI as we could. You have to be careful to turn off all of the automatic updates because that will kill you on the cost. I would assume that it would be similar for Blackberrys, etc. Even with the plan and international .99 cents/ a minute phone call plan, our bill was still almost $200.00. For us in the US there is no text messaging international package(We have AT&T for our cell phones). I would stick with a laptop or a Net Book. I am even considering a Net Book for travel.
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