Tech Reboot Time

I love my iPad and take it on all travels, both here and abroad. I have the iPad 2. When it comes time to replace it I will probably buy an iPad mini instead. It would be even lighter and more portable. It could be used in place of your kindle and as a computer. I also have an iPhone 5. No need for an iPod. I'm not sure about GPS apps that done use data, but I'm sure others with more knowledge will chime in.

Hmm, Ron. Unplugged. Sounds beguiling. However, I'll want a GPS because I'll be alone, and I might want to figure out a train or something, etc., so for this trip (while I try to find a place to live), I think I will. And then there are the tour apps... I'll need to at least call my banker if there's no secure place to pay bills. Yep, I will need something. Also, I download Greg Proops' podcasts (not improv, I feel compelled to share), although he hasn't performed in Italy yet.

iPad Mini. Boom! (with accompanying hand movement) Good camera, Skype/FaceTime, good internet browser, extremely lightweight, good reader with pretty much any app (Amazon, Nook, etc.), Google Maps, can get one with data for those times you can't access wifi (incuding Verizon), music, videos...anything you'd use a laptop for. If I was going to be out of the country for 6 months (or even 1 month) I'd want to be 'connected', too ;-)

I'd look at a Macbook Air or an ultrabook, which is a PC version of the Macbook Air. They can do much more than a iPad (they have keyboards, work with Adobe Flash Player, have camera card slots, and have USB ports, for starters). They are light and thin. Of course, they're not cheap. If these are too pricey, look at a netbook. These are low-powered small laptops that are good for the basics (Internet access, word processing, looking at photos and watching movies). They don't have the juice to do things like video editing. I realize this doesn't address your GPS or phone needs.

Sarah, There are several options you could consider. A few thoughts..... > Laptop - depending on what you're most comfortable with, you could use either a MacBook Air, Netbook or iPad. All are light and easy to travel with, and would allow you to pay bills, surf the net, E-mail or Blog using Wi-Fi. If you prefer a normal keyboard (without packing an extra one), the MacBook Air or Netbook would be better. All will allow some photo storage. > Phone - if your Smartphone needs to be replaced, it might be worthwhile to buy an unlocked model that will work both on Verizon as well as GSM networks. I'm not sure whether Apple sells unlocked iPhones for Verizon, but hopefully one of the others can provide information on that. As you're going to be there for 6 months, you should be able to buy a local SIM which will provide both voice and data service at reasonable rates. The phone will also provide music (so you won't need an iPod) and data (so you may not need a GPS). > Camera - is your "good camera" a DSLR or P&S model? As you'll be in Europe for 6 months, I'm assuming you might want to take a few pictures? Therefore it would be a good idea to pack a Camera along. While the iPhone, iPad and other Smartphones have Cameras, I've found their capabilities to be somewhat "limited" at times so having a "normal" Camera is a good idea. > Kindle - if you decide to go with an iPad or iPad Mini, that will also serve as an E-Reader, so you'll have no need for the Kindle (but you will have to use iBooks). If you decide to use a MacBook Air or Netbook, you can download the free Kindle app, and read your existing Library on those devices. You can also use the Kindle app on an iPhone. Good luck with your decision!

You can use the Kindle IPad app. No meet to change to iBooks.

It only took 16 days, but I want to thank all those who helped me streamline tech stuff. Result: iPad, good dslr camera that I have, prepaid cell for this summer (postponing smartphone until I know where I will be.) Oh, and good protector for the iPad, which accepts gps apps. No cell on the iPad. Like most decisions facing those of us who aren't as independent as we'd like, I suffered needlessly until I just made a choice. Thanks, thanks, to each of you who helped me see the solutions clearly.

Sarah, it sounds like you've made some reasoned, prudent choices. For a trip lasting six months, I think you have to have some device that permits easy typing and easier to manage Internet connection, so an iPad makes sense as a good compromise. For a shorter trip, however, I'm trying to go just with a capable smartphone. It will do everything, just not always as well as a device dedicated to a specific purpose, such as a GPS device, for example. What it lacks in ease of use is more than made up for by lighter weight and the reduction in the multiplicity of devices. It can sometimes be a pain - navigating full-size web pages to make a reservation isn't much fun - but it can be done.

Simple...just the Ipad2 or 3. Music, wi-fi, movies, posting to Facebook, blogging, use as an e-reader for books/magazines, Facetime or Skype to communicate back home, quick photos/videos (does not replace a camera!) any and all travel apps for language, regional information, conversion charts for distances, weights, money. Basically everything but a voice only phone call. I like the ipad2 over the mini because of the size of the screen for movies and for the type pad...easier with larger keys. The weight of the ipad2 over the mini isn't that huge of deal...but it's much lighter than a full size computer!