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In traveling around in latin america is it of some use to have a lap top or do you just need to go to an internet cafe anyway because of lack of hook ups for the lap top?
And,what is the chance of it getting stolen if left in a hotel room?

Pete

... in response to Lap Top, posted by Pete E on Nov 2, 2003

I agree with some of the other guys, it is unnecessary to tote around a laptop in LA. Internet cafes are everywhere and relatively inexpensive.  In most hotels, your computer is probably safe but you will always be worried about it.  I found a few places in Peru where the hoteles have business centers and you can plug into their network without a hitch.

An exception would be Chile. In Chile wireless networks are very common now, so it is really easy to log in many public places. In Santiago the airport and the Starbucks are all wireless access now.

... in response to Re: Lap Top, posted by denvermike on Nov 3, 2003

Pete,
 If you really are worried about losing an expensive laptop.  I have one I will sell you for 250 dollars.  It isn't the fastest but, has windows 98 and a full text translator program.

... in response to Lap Top, posted by Pete E on Nov 2, 2003

Pete, I was crazy enough to travel all over Ecuador and Peru with my laptop. I didn't need it for internet access as that was very easy to find. I brought it because of my digital camera and because I didn't want all my tech skills to totally atrophy while away. You really won't need it unless you want to watch DVD's in your room or do the digital camera thing. I can only think you might want it if you spend a long time in one place and can get internet access in your room. Otherwise, store it or sell it and go light.

... in response to Lap Top, posted by Pete E on Nov 2, 2003

By reading your question I would say no laptop just because you'd have to deal with dialup numbers and such.  As far as the hotel rooms and security - at any decent hotel you should be fine - I lock mine up in my travelling backpack just to be sure (which is locked to something permanent in the room - a little overkill maybe - but I haven't lost one yet).

... in response to Lap Top, posted by Pete E on Nov 2, 2003

A question to the well traveled. Is there any regulations
that would prohibit a traveler from bring a PC into a
country for a lady. I was thinking of bring my used computor(tower and keyboard) to Panama for my friend there.
I was just wondering?

... in response to Re: Lap Top, posted by pandabear on Nov 2, 2003

I'm pretty sure you won't have a problem, but suggest you check with Panamanian embassy or consulate to make sure.  I know a gringo tourist who, like you, brought a desktop into the country, no problem.  I think he's done it more than once. I believe the limit is $2000 for total value of items a tourist can bring into Panama as gifts.

Anyway, you're lucky she lives in Panama.  Most countries would charge a duty.

... in response to Re: Lap Top, posted by pandabear on Nov 2, 2003

I think the question is is it something you can convince them you need on your trip and will be bringing it back with you?If they even look,and when I went to Panama they did.If they think it is something you will be leaving there they might want to charge you duty on it.
I have had this concern taking loads of christmas gifts in to Colombia but they never even opened the suitcase.
Maybe someone knows specifically about Panama.

Pete

... in response to Re: Re: Lap Top, posted by Pete E on Nov 2, 2003

They may just ask for some kind of importation tax.  If it appears to be for personal use you pay less, if it appears to be for sale you pay more.  One thing about Mexico and other latin countries is that many things are negotiable.

... in response to Lap Top, posted by Pete E on Nov 2, 2003

A lot depends on what you want to do. If you just want to check emails and stuff, you don't need a laptop, but if you have work to do, then you might want to have one.  I visit Bogota and I have done both now.  I stayed in Hotel de La Feria near the airport.  They in have high speed internet in your rooms for 10,000 Pesos (one time fee for your stay).   I found it useful as I'm working on dissertation stuff.   No problems with theft or safety there as they are a pretty big hotel (but not too big) that belongs to the same company that operates La Fontana and other nice hotels in Colombia.  

... in response to Lap Top, posted by Pete E on Nov 2, 2003

Don't go traveling around LA with a laptop; that's just asking for trouble. Depending on the city and country, high-speed internet access is usually readily available for a dollar or so per hour, and you don't have to worry about losing a $3000 machine with all your personal data and programs inside.

... in response to Re: Lap Top, posted by Bueller on Nov 2, 2003

Hello all,
When I went to Barranquilla, I brought my laptop. It was  no problem, going in or going out. I had it in my carry-on bag, and had to open it. However, I was lucky in the fact that I didn't have it stolen. Because, in the hotel i was at, some of the gringos had property taken. I made sure to become friends with the staff, and leave nice tips for them. Next time, i will not be bringing it.
Bryan