Laptop or no?

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I am taking my Flip Video camera on the Costa Rica trip so that, for the first time, I can bring back video.

My Flip holds up to 60 minutes of video. I have gone back and forth on whether or not to bring my beat-up, second-hand notebook computer on the trip, so that if I want or need to, I can download video from the Flip to create more space. I really don’t know how much raw video I will want to bring back. When it comes to video editing, the more raw video you have, the more options it gives you for assembling the final product. But I don’t know if it’s worth lugging the laptop along — and if so, whether I want to pack it in the middle of my clothes or take it in my backpack. I’ve never taken it on a plane trip before.

  • DrTony

    In the end, the question has to be about the trip. Is the trip what you do in Costa Rica or is the trip the physical memories that you bring back?

    If the trip was anywhere in the United States and I knew that I would have some sort of connection to the Methoblog and the world, I would take the lap-top.

    But, traveling to Costa Rica brings about questions about connectivity and the ability to recharge the assorted batteries.

    Then there is the question of recording your thoughts on paper or hard disk. The video will record the sites and sounds of the trips but how will you record your thoughts?

    Personally, I would take my laptop if I knew that I would have no power problems. That way, even if there were Internet connections available, I could still write down my thoughts and have them ready when I get back.

    Blessings and prayers as you prepare for this wonderful mission trip.

  • http://lakeneuron.com LakeNeuron

    Thanks for your response!

    Costa Rica, unlike some of the other places I’ve gone on mission trips, does
    have the same type of power as the U.S. I don’t know the exact conditions
    at the home where I’ll be staying, but it’s likely I would be able to plug
    in the laptop to recharge it. How much I use it depends on how often I can
    charge it. I am not hoping for Internet connectivity during the trip — at
    least, not involving the laptop.

    As far as what I’m bringing back and why, I am hoping to produce a short
    video to send to the partners who have supported my trip, and that I can
    show when various groups at my church want me to speak about my mission
    experience.

    I have always brought a journal along on these trips, and will do so again
    this time.

    Typing this response, it sounds like I’m leaning towards taking the laptop.
    Maybe I am.

  • http://www.achairandtwoapples.com KCWC

    If you pack it in your backpack, be prepared to take it out, open it up, and turn it on for the TSS folks. I have traveled a lot with my laptop, and this process can be a little tedious, but no more so than the whole wierd shoe ritual, and you won’t be the only one doing it. But if you’re one of those folks who is made very self conscious by the inspection process, the laptop will increase the discomfort. It would likely be pretty safe in the midst of the clothes, too, although that increases the likelihood of separation.
    I was going to bring up the power thing, too.
    I wonder if there is some kind of hard drive/ digital gadget that one could simply tote along as a backup data dump — plug the camera in, hit backup, scroll through the list, and go. A fancy Mp3/video player could almost do it, if the connectivity were right, which I don’t think it is. I’m great at inventing things I know nothing about.

  • http://dink.gryfalia.com Kristi

    Personally I’d take it along because I’d be willing to bet you’ll want more video than you can hold on your Flip. I wouldn’t pack it in a regular suitcase, though. I think it would be safer in your backpack. While I always have to take it out of the case at security, I’ve never had to open it or turn it on before.

  • http://dink.gryfalia.com Kristi

    Personally I'd take it along because I'd be willing to bet you'll want more video than you can hold on your Flip. I wouldn't pack it in a regular suitcase, though. I think it would be safer in your backpack. While I always have to take it out of the case at security, I've never had to open it or turn it on before.