The reality that I am leaving in about 6 weeks is rapidly catching up to me. Aside from the fun task of researching all the potential places to visit along my route, I am finding myself knee deep in the more logistical side of travel preparations. Particularly, the tech-world of computers, cameras and other gadgety things that I am hoping to bring along in an effort to stay connected and document my trip. Yet as I embark on this road of trying to make the ‘best’ purchase, I am finding myself mired in the muck of my own bureaucracy.
This whole kerfuffle reminds me to ask myself if I am asking the right questions? Capitalism has us asking the question “Should I buy this or that?” when, perhaps, the more appropriate question “Should I buy?” is never even asked. So should I buy an iphone 3GS or wait for the G4? Buy a netbook or stick with my laptop? Invest in a simple point & shoot camera, or seek out one that captures HD video? Spend lots of money, time and energy? Or spend lots of money, time and energy?
[I think the insanity of the situation hit me when I came across this article ("Rogers Announces iPhone 4G with Lifetime Contracts")…I first got really annoyed at Rogers, and then laughed out loud for a while. It was cathartic.]
And here’s some more BREAKING NEWS: Rumour has it that around the same as the much awaited launch of the iphone 4G, the powers that be are also launching an innovative technology that allows us to communicate using WOOD and LASERS. Or, even more avant garde, WOOD and INK!
For Marx’s sake, I get it!
So, while I am still pondering jumping into this quicksand lagoon that is a technologically powered simulacrum of progress, I am turning off my computer and going to walk it off… in the sun.
Where are you going? ;)
If you’re looking for the iPhone 4G, it’s coming in a month. However, we don’t know if they will be sold unlocked–which means you might not be able to use it in the country you’re traveling (you can’t pop in any SIM card).
Another option would be to order an 3G version iPad, and then use Skype to make calls over WiFi. You can easily setup a $3/month subscription plan for unlimited calling to Canada/USA.
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/tips-tricks/how-to-make-unlimited-calls-to-canadausa-with-skype-on-the-iphone-for-3month/
Honestly, the lowest tech solution is usually the best. What good would it be to be out lugging a massive amount of gear only to have it not work or take more time to actually work?
My advice? Paper and a small digital camera. It’s worked for years so why shouldn’t work for you? Most website content is not prejudice of what system you are using or where you are posting from. And if you are so far out that you cannot find an internet café or someone to loan you the use of their computer for an hour, well you’ll most likely find service issues when it comes to wireless coverage as well…
Write it all down, compile it and post it on a regular basis from borrowed locations. That’s my advice.
Peace!
[...] a while back when I pondered a purchase of an iPhone? Well since then I have kept pondering. I’ve researched the yinyang out [...]