I thought it made sense to get a kindle and purchase tour books on it for light and easy reference. Then I saw that there are Wi-Fi kindles, 3G Kindles, ones with sound and bells and whistle fire Kindles. I do not want to duplicate devices. We will need a phone for communication and making reservations. I will check into the sim card for international use. I have data on my phone but it is slow and I do not know if Sprint works in Europe or how it works. One person in our group is thinking about an ipad. Is that like having a laptop (sort of?) Please advise
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Colleen, An iPad can perform many of the same functions as a Laptop, including internet access, E-mail and limited photo storage. However, unless you purchase an external keyboard, you'll have to be comfortable using a virtual keyboard. These work well with Wi-Fi, so having a 4G model wouldn't provide any advantage and would be more costly to use in Europe. I've been using a $400 Netbook for travels over the last few years, and it has worked well. Regarding your Phone - NO, Sprint phones usually WON'T work in Europe as they use a different technology. It's likely that your phone doesn't even use a SIM card. Therefore, you'll have to use a different method to obtain a phone for "communication and making reservations". There are a number of different choices you could consider regarding phones, so as a first step I'd recommend having a look at other Threads on that topic in the "General Europe" section of the HelpLine. If you have specific questions after reading through the information, post another note. Are you taking any other electrical or electronic items with you? Be sure to ensure that ALL devices are designed for use on 230 VAC electrical systems. Of course, Plug Adapters specific to the countries you'll be visiting will be required. Happy travels!
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
18045 posts
The IPad is a pretty okay idea but rely on WIFI not phone data services as the data charges will eat you alive. Plenty of wifi hot spots aroundmostcities. Try these guys for your phone solution. thy have the sim cardboard the phones if you need stand all the answers: http://www.telestial.com/view_product.php?ID=LSIM-HU01
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
18045 posts
The IPad is a pretty okay idea but rely on WIFI not phone data services as the data charges will eat you alive. Plenty of wifi hot spots aroundmostcities. Try these guys for your phone solution. thy have the sim cardboard the phones if you need stand all the answers: http://www.telestial.com/view_product.php?ID=LSIM-HU01
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
We each just got a Wi-Fi Kindle Fire ($199) and have downloaded key websites of our hotels, e-tickets, airlines, our email sites, and made reservations from London to Istanbul to Paris using them. We each have ATT cell phones and bought the $5.99/monthly World Traveler options (cheaper per minute) for each, which we will cancel upon our return. I downloaded some French and Turkish language sites that pronounces key phrases and plan to brush up on the flights and train trips using headphones. We also purchased some reading materials and old movies for the long flights. Our small local library has some free book downloads as does our state library association, literally thousands of titles. Check with your library for free downloads.