Tuscany - Shall I take my Laptop?

I had my iPod Touch with wifi on a couple of trips, and my last trip I took a netbook. I prefer to access the internet with the netbook, and used it most days (actually early mornings and late evenings) to check email and look up any information I might need for the day. Every place we stayed in Italy with the exception of Vernazza offered free wifi. Sometimes we had it in our rooms and sometimes we had to go to a common area. Personally I found it very handy and I'm glad I took it. Only you can decide if it would be unnecessary for you. I have traveled in the past domestically with a full-sized laptop, but with the ability to take a netbook, iPad of something like that I wouldn't do it again.

Raj, I've been reluctant to travel with a Laptop on previous trips to Europe, due to the size and weight as well as the cost to replace if it was ever damaged or stolen. However, I travelled with a Netbook for the first time last year and it will be with me on every trip from now on. Whether it's "useful" will depend somewhat on your travel style. I find that a Netbook is a good "multi-purpose" travel accessory, and good for not only E-mail, but also getting train schedules for day trips, Blogging, photo storage and a good place to store my Itinerary and other details of my trip. I've found that many Hotels now provide Wi-Fi, either included in the cost of the room or for a small fee. Ironically, the budget Hotels usually provide this at no cost, while the "high end" Hotels charge for it. Happy travels!

I took my mac a couple of years ago...glad I had it for several reasons..I take a ton of pictures, email, etc....bought a netbook last year and took it to Spain and Morocco....loved it.....In the time of the year wi-fi was much more available and free......very handy.....never called home ...just emailed....hope that helps.....JW