Ciao, I purchased an iphone 4s and have just begun to figure out how to use it. On previous trips, I have taken my Asus netbook. Although small, it weighs and isn't particularly fast. With the iphone 4s, should I leave the netbook at home, or would it be worthwhile to bring both the iphone and netbook?
Sorry, this isn't an Italy specific question, although we will be leaving for Italy in a week and half. Cordially Saluti.
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
We left our iphone home and brought our Ipad and a laptop. When we wanted to call someone we used skype for free. But the person you are calling has to have it set up if you want the cost for free. For a fee you can call a mobile phone on skype but we didn't need to. Wifi for the laptop was available in every place we stayed and we bought a chip in Italy for the Ipad which gave us internet service on the 'go'. Everyone will tell you to watch out for roaming chargers so ask yourself "do I really need a phone?". Most people don't if you plan ahead.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
It depends on what you want to do. If you just want to check websites (like weather, museum hours, catching up with the news, etc) the iPhone will be fine (although on WiFi only - watch out for data roaming charges, and learn how to switch this off). If you're going to be doing a lot of typing (writing e-mails or posting on blogs), or want to be able to save your photos to a back up drive (my Asus has an SD card slot), the netbook is more versatile. I agree, the netbook is not as light as I'd like. I have my eye on an ultrabook (the PC versions of the MacBook Air), but these are expensive.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
I now travel with my iphone4s and my ipad. I feel I need a keyboard to type on. I send email and surf the web and try to get some work done while on holiday. I'd vote for taking both with you...especially once you see that it's not a lot of fun to type more than a few words on the iphone. I LOVE my iphone, but not for long emails. If you are concerned with weight, go for just the phone. It will work great. I just love the fact that I can watch some movies on the ipad (we rent from itunes before leaving the US so we have something to do besides read or watch BBC news) I've traveled on hiking trips with a friend who has an android phone which she uses as her camera, and her ereader, and for text messages, but she still takes along a netbook so she can blog from Europe. Keep in mind that she is BACKPACKING, and carrying all her clothes and electronics on her back and hiking 8-15 miles a day! She doesn't like the keyboard on the phones - too small!
Posted by
St Louis, MO, USA
7 posts
Any one have information regarding the use of a netbook and Skype? Thank you.
Posted by
Atlanta
97 posts
Is your iPhone 4S the ATT version? If yes, then it will work fine in Europe, but you need to contact ATT ahead of time to set up a temporary plan that will give you some texts and minutes. The Verizon version of an iPhone is not compatible with the cellular network in Europe, so only wi-fi would work.