Smart Phones, Laptops and Tablets

I have always been a huge advocator for not taking phones or laptops abroad. The first time I backpacked through Europe the only people who owned phones that could access the internet were tie wearing business types with Blackberries. Now it seems like everyone has their head stuck in the sand looking down at the bright colors on their phone.

The main reasons why I personally recommend not taking your phone with you to Europe:

1. Aren't the sights and sounds of Europe more important than facebook and twitter?
2. Lost or stolen. There is so much else going on in a strange place that it might be hard to keep track of your new device.
3. Recharging. Not all hostels have plugs in every room, so if you want it charged, you might have to leave it behind the front desk all night, or hang out inside with it while your burden free friends enjoy the bier garten, walks on the Mediterranean, etc.

Having used an iPhone recently in a strange city I have found the uses of maps, restaurant locators, internet capability that can look up opening times of museums, and instant contact with family extremely useful. There is no way I or anyone will be able to convince you that your phone should be left at home. So for those of you that are attached at the hip to your social media, a new service is available to take advantage of. It's called Tep wireless. www.tepwireless.com

There appear to be two choices, a prepaid smartphone that you rent and use while abroad, or a small device that emits a wi-fi signal for up to five devices (travel group friendly). The wi-fi device seems more appropriate for most applications in my opinion. It works with tablets, phones or laptops. Their web site does not give current prices but below is my "live chat" and I was surprised with the cost that I found. (I made up travel dates and locations so they may differ greatly. Contact tep wireless for accurate rates)

Ben: May I know your travel date please?
→Oct. 5 for about 10 days
Ben: Do you need a pocket wi-fi of smartphone?
→I think pocket wi-fi, it will power multiple devices at once correct?
Ben: You can connect it with up to five devices at the same time.
Ben: What country will you be traveling to?
→France, Germany, UK, and Netherlands. How do prices work, is it per day, per amount of usage, country?
Ben: Let me check it out.
→thanks
Ben: The rental price is £52.10 (£4.74/day) [Current conversion today is $7.78 per day]
→Is that for a max amount of usage per day?
Ben: pocket wifi (Europe) - 50 MB per day from 05/10/2011 to 15/10/2011
→Ok. If I go over the 50 MB what happens?
→Is there a feature that tells me to stop before an extra cost kicks in?
Ben: The charges would be 1.5 pounds for 1gb.

I can't seem to find out exactly how much 50mb will get you, but many smartphones get that allotment a month. Now if five members in your group will be using at once, the usage will get eaten up pretty quickly.

Getting from town to town can be boring and it would be a dream to get some of your research and hostel booking accomplished while on the train, bus or ferry. Internet cafe's vary greatly on usage costs, normally by the hour fee. $2-$5 per hour is about normal so if 2-4 members in your group are buying an hour, you've paid for the tep, but you don't need internet daily.

In my opinion smartphones and laptops should stay at home, but for some of you who have the extra money and need access to everyone from almost anywhere, this may be a good travel option for you.