Going to London, England: Bring MacBook Pro? iPod Touch?

[SKYLANE]

I have a MacBook Pro. I do not have an iPod Touch (yet).

Usually when I go on domestic trips, I bring along the MacBook Pro (MBP) and leave it in hotel room, I use it for internet stuff during evening hours. A friend of mine told me to be cautious about bringing my computer over there and leaving it in Hotel rooms. We won't be staying at Youth Hostels or anything like that.

I was wondering whether to leave the MBP at home and just pick up an iPod Touch and bring that along instead. I have not used one of these yet for web information surfing or for email. I suppose, maybe, an iPod Touch is all I would need? Might be handy for finding things around London.

We are going at end of month to be around the area of Wimbleton and other misc sightseeing.... might be a new iPod Touch around the corner?

Any tips/knowledge/experience concerning WiFi access over there?

[rgG]

Sounds like a perfect use for a Mini 9 running OSX to me, or any of the netbooks running Linux. I find a touch just too small for comfortable surfing, but you may feel differently.

[SKYLANE]

rgG...

You know, I thought that too, I actually had a Dell Mini10v ready to order last night since it was $96 off (not sure if that deal is still available today). Also heard of success getting OS X on Dell Mini10v from mydellmini.com. Then I thought, why not just bring the MBP instead? Maybe less investment at risk bringing a Mini?

So, I am open to suggestions about trading thoughts about a Mini vs. an iPod Touch as well.

[Wailer]

Whatever you do, just remember that the hardware is probably worth far less than the information you have stored on it. Theft and damage are probably 20x more likely to happen when you are traveling, so backup everything before you go! And if having a working computer is mission-critical to your trip, then bring a clone of you HD with you as well as leaving one at home.

You can always buy another computer.

That's what I love about the Dell Mini 9. It's so much more durable and inexpensive than my already inexpensive macbook. I'm very carefree with it. I use dropbox to store files. If I lose or damage the mini 9, the worst part will be waiting for a decent price on a refurb.

[zeppo2]

I always take both my MBP and my Touch. Together they have enough battery life for the plane ride (more or less). In Europe I always want the MBP for processing the day's pictures and iChatting with the family at home, and the Touch is great for out and about on the town--checking email, reading books at cafes, using the London Tube guide on the Touch, etc. I tend to stay at places where I wouldn't expect them to be stolen, but I don't leave them out in the open to tempt any maids (I don't do that at hotels in the US, either). If you're really worried, consider getting an insurance policy.

[GuyGene]

I am overseas now, and wish I had only brought my iPod touch. It is enough... except for serious work, much writing, spreadsheets, etc. But for keeping in touch, surfing, it's all I need. Next time, my Mac will stay home...

[SKYLANE]

GuyGene...

I am not bringing a computer for serious work. Just like you said, keeping in touch, surfing, maybe airline check-ins, etc. If I were to bring my Mac, I plan to CarbonCopyClone the drive and leave it at home. Put a fresh-install on the internal drive -- therefore, losing the computer would not result in loss of important personal data. I think though the iPod Touch seems like a much more convenient way to go.

A Dell Mini seems like good option to, but doesn't easily slip into a shirt pocket.

Jeff