Computers and backpackers
So I have now had 2 interesting conversations (and countless with dbill) about the changing role of the backpacker and their computer.
It seems that many a backpacker is now carrying a laptop around and bringing the computer to the local cafe instead of a book. Don’t get me wrong the book is way more prevalent, however I am very surprised at the amount of them present here in Bali. Even much more so since I never even thought of bringing one and neither dbill or I are carrrying one.
Melanie made the point about people liking their apps like aim and downloaded email. Also she bought ten DVD for a dollar and watches movies on those lonely nights (she also has her astrology app in case someone needs a reading)
I know jim vh will hate me for this but I must sing the praises of the iPhone here. While a ton lighter, I do have my suduko aim solitaire blog currency flashlight phrasebook safari all in my palm. It’s perfect for this type of thing. I have not bought a DVD yet (from iTunes) and I am sure it will cost more than ten cents however I would suggest that this is the perfect device for a dorky traveler (or as it seems today, any traveler)
The Wiggen's Travels 
have you found a way to update the media on your iphone, since you don’t have a laptop to sync up with? or are you just going to be traveling with the same music/movies?
Emile Baizel - August 18, 2008 at 10:22 am |
got spellcheck?
shannon - August 18, 2008 at 12:03 pm |
hey, Kevin, I hope for that flashlight app you’re using our free “myLite” app! it has lots of great features, called “effects” (nine total)…including those for emergency use
cheers,
Graeme
vp marketing
DoApp Inc.
http://www.doapps.com
Graeme Thickins - August 18, 2008 at 4:34 pm |
i may be a Jobs H8ter, but i won’t rain on your iPhone parade….just stoked to look at pics of monkeys while dealing w/ “summer” in SF. wander on!
jim vh - August 18, 2008 at 4:47 pm |
You can buy apps and iTunes stuff (music/video) directly from the phone, but you need computer to update firmware. I currently still sit at 2.0
Kevin - August 18, 2008 at 5:55 pm |
Wow. Targeted marketing. Graeme must know Wiggen is a connector.
Wiggs, you’re missing nothing on the firmware front. I have seen no difference in performance and stability with 2.0.1. And, of course, Apple refuses to divulge what it actually fixes.
Like any computer, the iPhone has a frustrating tendency to lock up or crash, especially if you don’t reboot it periodically. Yet, somehow I still love the damn thing.
Mast - August 19, 2008 at 5:55 am |
hey kevin-so cool that you are doing all of this traveling! I am envious! Keegan, Chris and I are having fun seeing where you have been. I have had the iPhone since October and have loved it at home and traveling. We can’t wait to read more about your adventures!! Megan
megan haines - August 20, 2008 at 5:05 pm |
oh one more thing about the changing roll of the backpacker and the computer– when I backpacked thru Europe back in 1993 laptops and cell phones were non exisistent!! Hard to believe that to call home we had to call via pay phone ad phone cards!
megan haines - August 20, 2008 at 5:19 pm |