Out of India (after 7 weeks)

I've been out of India for a few days now. I had a very difficult time getting my laptop onto anything vaguely faster than dialup speed. The heat, humidity, dust, noise, sand (and beach)
didn't help either. India didn't want me to write software.

I fought it for a while and became aware of two things:

• I've become incredibly dependent on using my own computer (vs. Internet cafe PC)

• I'm so used to having decent Internet access that I can hardly work without it

I learnt a few tricks which I'll probably post about over the next while. However with RailsConf fast approaching and Capistrano 2.0 in pre-release I've got a lot else to do.

I'll leave you with this for now, USB pendrives are a godsend at web cafes where they don't let you connect your laptop. I used mine to ferry a video I shot and edited to a web cafe for upload. I also downloaded Ubuntu linux (700MB) to my USB key at the same place.

I bought a (second) laptop for my trip.

I decided that I'd buy another laptop for the trip. Now I already have a MacBook Pro so I spent some time deciding whether it would be worth the additional outlay however my thinking goes like this:

- The MacBook costs a lot less than the MacBook Pro so I'm reducing my risk
- The MacBook doesn't scream "steal me" as loudly as the aluminium MacBook Pro
- The polycarbonate shell is less likely to suffer from dents than the Pro.

The weight is marginally lower for the MacBook (2.36 kg vs. 2.54 kg) but this is not significant. I increase my own weight by more than that when I drink a glass of water.

Probably the biggest reason for getting the MacBook is that I'm not so attached to it.
I won't cry if it gets stolen and whatever happens I know I have my MacBook Pro waiting for me at home.

I bought one second hand and am in the process of doing a clean install of OSX.

Mac OS X for the traveler

Mac OS X for the traveler (part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) contains a some helpful advice like:

• put security cable in checked luggage (it's considered a weapon)


• initialize any media (such as USB keys) you check onto flights (paranoid!)


• shampoo bottles may leak on flights - put them in ziplock bags


• have a simple routine to copy all important stuff onto a DVD

india on a laptop

I plan to visit India soon for a few months. I want to travel with a laptop and need to use it daily. The most important questions I have are:

internet access
where, how and how much will it cost?

power
is the power in India safe for my MacBook Pro?

laptop safety
What physical dangers might my laptop risk?
What can I do to prevent my laptop being stolen?

laptop repair
what's involved in getting a Mac repaired in India?

laptop replacement
How long would it take me to get a new mac if mine was lost/stolen?
Will insurance cover it?

The Lonely Planet guide to India does not list 'laptop' in the Index.
I figure my requirements are not currently common among non-business
travellers. So this blog will contain what I find as I prepare for my
trip and then what I find when I get there.

Feel free to make suggestions!