Monday, March 26, 2007

So Many Decisions!

And I'm just talking about the decisions about which electronics to take around the world!

First, there is the laptop / no laptop decision.
Everyone I know is telling me to take the laptop.

Pros: I can blog. I can download pics from my camera's memory card. I can watch DVD's on the plane rides. I can play games. I can check my email.

Cons: I have an extra large screen so it's a BIG laptop. Heavy. Not one I really want to haul around the world. And I have to find places where I can get a (free!) wireless signal. Whereas the Auckland airport has 10 min for $2nz and my mom's friend has internet at her apartment.

Up next: To buy a camcorder, or not to buy a camcorder.

Pros: Once in a lifetime family movies... amazing scenery... and I love shooting and editing. Jen could help me edit incredible movies.

Cons: One more piece of crap to carry around the world, and Delaynie and Gary would probably be the only people I'd show the footage to anyway. And there's the cost: wouldn't I rather spend the money buying NZ souvenirs?

The big one: To buy a new camera or not to buy a new camera.

Pros: I desperately need one. Mine is falling apart, there are spots on the lens I can't seem to get clean and the latch to hold the battery in is broken, so if the door swings open, the battery is on the ground. And hello - I'm a scrapbooker. MUST have good pictures!

Cons: None really, other than the money... but I think I'd rather spend it on a camera than a camcorder.

At the moment, I'm in a "1. maybe 2. no 3. definitely" state of mind. But the more I think about things, the more I change my mind. Help!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, yes, yes on the laptop. Another pro - will strengthen your arm muscles. And it's not like you have to carry it around with you all the time...just there and back. The camera is an investment that will pay off, so yes on that as well. As for the camcorder, maybe you can rent one while you're there.

Paula

Anonymous said...

Camera--you can take movies with the camera. Just spend money on bigger memory cards. WORTH IT. And you can get a little toy to d/l the pics to, or d/l to your family's computer, and transfer the pics to cds/flash drives (which are CHEAP at Costco).

If you don't think you'll use a camcorder, don't get it. Use the money on the camera, and accessories--it'll still be cheaper, and you'll use them again. And the laptop--aren't there internet "cafe's"? Have you talked to Tam? I'm pretty sure she didn't take a laptop, but Kylie's family had a computer.

DaveBrz said...

Laptop - no since you have a large screen one plus how long does your battery last, you would be part way through the flight with a dead battery. Check out http://www.tourism.net.nz/visitor-information/internet-cafes-and-travellers-internet/ for internet cafes in NZ

Camcorder, nice to have but again, another piece of eqipment you have to carry.

Camera, Defenite yes since you love taking photos and you would get more use now and in the future from a new camera than a camcorder.

J. said...

Well that was a good point on the computer battery power. And checking the plane schematics, I don't have an electrical outlet.

However, several members of my family are encouraging me to take the laptop to stay in touch. And being the computer addict that I am, I know I'll have the itch to be typing, even if I can't always get to an internet connection to "send." Better to compose offline.

My friend Jen is offering to lend me her video camera. So that may be a good option.

J. said...

oh! And I also found out that Qantas has individual screens for each seat with on-demand movies and music channels. So I'll be highly entertained on the journey.

Anonymous said...

Another thought, I am not sure what the power is like is in NZ but I think you will need adapters. I'll send you a email if I find something (after I get out of work)

Anonymous said...

Can you borrow a lighter laptop from work? Tam said she was going to email you on her thoughts about taking one, I think.

J. said...

I have bought the appropriate adapter / converter thingy.

No laptop at work to borrow.

J. said...

I'm going camera shopping tonight!

Will let you know how it goes.

Anonymous said...

Oh! Exciting. :) I love camera shopping.

BTW, do you need a hair appt before your trip?

J. said...

I have a camera!

My husband - who never noticed when I got 7 inches cut off my hair - who hasn't yet noticed that I took the border down out of our kitchen this week - looked at me tonight and said "wow, your roots are brown."

So... I'm guessing I'm going to. But not until closer to trip time.

Anonymous said...

Is April 7 too far away?

Producer J. said...

Yeah. Gonna do it the weekend before I go.

But thank you!