RVing with computers

[Colliemom]

I have to get a new computer eventually here cause my desktop is beginning to wear out. Just wondering what types of computers you folks who RV around either on vacation or full time, use in your rigs. My current desktop is at least 6 years old and my monitor is going on around 12 years. Its one of those older CRT ones and it's still going great believe it or not. I'm kind of thinking of maybe getting a laaptop and a new all in one desktop. KInd of hate to keep too much important stuff on a laptop in case it gets lost or stolen. So what's your experiences out there....

[Liz]

I just got a new laptop...MacBook Pro, which I love. Before that I had a Toshiba satellite which was also good when it was new. Last summer I bought an Eee netbook when I started having trouble with the Toshiba. I like it too and will carry both the MacBook and Eee with me when traveling.

I still have an old HP desktop at home which is no longer connected to the internet. I use it for word-processing & keeping track of bank accts. on Quicken, as well as one mindless game I play when I'm really bored. I will never replace it with another desktop, however. The only internet service I use is my Verizon aircard...both at home and while traveling.

[Rufflesgurl]

Liz - I also have a MacBook Pro that I've had for a couple of years. So far it's been a really good computer. Do not own a desktop any longer but I do keep a iBook on my desk at home. I do all my pix on my MacBook Pro though.

Also Liz - being as how you have a Mac what is your secret to post pix on the forum. It just seems so complicated to me. You always post such great pix!!

Colliemom - I think the most convenient computer to RV with would be a laptop definitely.

Linda

[Liz]

For now, I'm resizing my pics while they're still on my camera...choosing the Small, rather than Xtrasmall, and Photobucket is uploading them quickly in bundles. Beth posted a website for a resizer that works with Apple that I will download and try when I have some free time to play with it.

[Getupngo]

Laptop. If you're worried about the safety of your content, you can back-up on an external hard drive, or use "cloud computing" and store your data with an on-line provider. To me, a desktop unit is a potential missile in a motor home.

[carold]

We have a dell and have a Verizon aircard. Works in almost every place we've traveled. We back up on a memory stick (small external hard drive) on a regular basis and then every so often on a big external hard drive. carold

[retiredhappy]

Definately a laptop. I have a Toshiba with Windows 7. Use a Verizone aircard to access the internet (also have Verizon phone). I use small flashdrives to backup my stuff - one for pictures and one for documents.

[mtngal]

I'm probable one of few that use an ATT air card. It's my only connection at home in CA and we don't get Verizon locally. So far I have never been without service, but I haven't traveled east of Texas. My worst connection is always at home, too far from a tower. Also, had an Acer laptop for years, now have Acer netbook. The monitor is a bit small, but I don't have to work on it. And it's light as a feather!

[Cedar518]

Toshiba Satellite laptop here. Verizon aircard when camping from May - Oct. and it's "on vacation" the rest of the time,... DSL here,... still using my laptop. No more desk tops for me,... can't be tied to a desk!

[snowball]

I too have a laptop had the idea I would have my desk top in the rv just too taking it out to the 5th wheel to know that it wasn't going to work...
At that time my SIL was going to school getting a computer degree and took me to a computer store that he was having good luck with...so mine is a Enpower one that they built and has vista....I've never had problems with it going on 3 years now but this spring will I'm in the area for awhile want to take it up and have it cleaned and serviced see if it can once again be faster...I use verizon for internet and rarely have a problem with it...
sheila

[Bethers]

I've only had laptops for 5 years now - like them better than desktops. Since last Sept I use external hard drives and thumb drives for almost all my files and pictures and important stuff - just because I don't want to lose any of it. Not because I worry about the laptop being stolen. The only time I lost data was from a desktop - when it crashed, it was bad. I also have had a bad experience with an online backup service. So if you get one, occasionally go in and make sure you can access all the data they are holding. I found out that the files I got the service for, were being corrupted by the service I paid for and wouldn't open. Yes, they were different type of files, but they are how I build my websites and critical to me to be there. I may try another service - because I like that it's all stored somewhere else - even my external hard drive and thumb drives could get lost, etc.

Yesterday I switched from AT&T to Verizon for service - both phone and internet. Why? Because all of a sudden last month, AT&T started telling me that my data usage was "offline" - and that I was overusing it. In other words, they are getting ready to start charging for data in places they are using another companies services - and AT&T does that a lot. They didn't do that for phone, just data, but it was frustrating and Verizon, if you connect in the US, it's included. So, new phone and a Verizon card. I splurged on the card and got one that lets me go "wireless" for data - the card right now is across my rig, doesn't require a port on the computer, although I can hook it up also.

[SeeyaGal]

We have FOUR computers!! An old HP ( going to pitch it) a New HP ( mine) , A Toshiba ( giving that to the next door neighbor) and new Dell Netbook ( Dan) could not survive without one but by the time we leave here May 1st we will be back to only two laptops not four! We also have two pocketmail devices....need to sell those back to the company so they can recycle them. Pocketmail was our first (words only) computer on the road back in 1999. Lordy I have forgotten what to do with pen and paper!! LOL

[Colliemom]

Broke down and got a new laptop. Now I have to see how to use it and also it has the new Wilndows 7 installed. So two things to keep my brain occupied. Weather is getting colder this weekend again, so will be good time to "play with it". Won't put it on line till I see how Windows 7 works. And have to get the router placed too. Desktop is wired.

[AlmostThere]

I just got a new laptop with Windows 7 and it's easy to use. I guess the biggest change is all the 'tabs' it now uses. It reminds me of a MAC.