My dad is an avid backpacker. No, not the hippy traveling Europe type, he has hiked over 1,800 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail type. He is going to be hitting the trails this summer and was hoping to do some journaling from the trail. We were discussing some different options for devices and services he could use so I thought I would post my suggestions here as well. What are your thoughts? Please comment below if you have any suggestions. Thanks!
| Device |
Pros |
Cons |
| 1. iPhone ($200, $90 per month for phone and internet) |
- With the 3G internet connection you will be able to post to your site anywhere you can get a cell signal.
- Sturdy – If you get a case
- Can shoot and post HD video and photos
- Tons of different apps to let you do everything from geocaching to posting to your blog (journal and more
|
- If you are going to be writing long posts, some people have said typing on the on-screen keyboard can get to be a pain.
- Have to get a two year contract with ATT or Verizon. Phone is $200 and then $90 a month for the phone and internet service.
- Not guaranteed to have cell coverage everywhere.
|
| 2. iPod Touch ($299) |
- Same as the iPhone, except no internet over the cell network
- No phone contract
- You have internet access over Wi-Fi. Just need to find a place that has free Wi-Fi. Any Starbucks will do.
- Can get a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that uses the cell network. $30-$60 a month.
- This is what Uncle Tom used on his PCT hike to post everyday.
- I think this is the best option
|
- If you are going to be writing long posts, some people have said typing on the on-screen keyboard can get to be a pain.
|
| 3. Any other smart phone (similar to iPhone) |
|
- Not as many apps
- Similar to iPhone
|
| 4. iPad ($429 Wi-Fi, $579 Wi-Fi + 3G) |
- Same as iPhone or iPod Touch
- The on-screen key board is almost full size, great for typing
- Sturdy
- Portable
- Can get Wi-Fi only model or one with 3G mobile internet ($25 a month)
- Awesome batter life (10 hours, 30 day standby)
- This would be my second choice
|
|
| 5. Netbook/small laptop/MacBook Air |
- Full computer
- Can get wireless internet options like iPod Touch.
|
- Larger, more weight
- Not as durable (except for MacBook Air would be durable)
|
Tags: Backpacker, Cell Coverage, Free Wi Fi, Geocaching, Hippy, iPhone, Iphone 4, Key Board, Mobile Internet, Pacific Crest Trail, Pct Hike, Phone Contract, Pros Cons, Screen Keyboard, Second Choice, Similar To Iphone, Smart Phone, Starbucks, Traveling Europe, Uncle Tom
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