Should I take my laptop?

Question

I am about to head from Australia to USA with a 13 hour flight then 2 more connecting flights so a total of 23 hours travelling then when in USA doing another 6 internal flights over 2 months.

Question is should I take my laptop. It is a mid sized laptop. I am thinking to play games on it whilst inflight/at airport. I am travelling on an airline that doesn't have headrest screens, only the big screens up the front of the plane jand I have difficulty seeing over the top of the seats as I am quite short. I know last time I flew long haul I gave up trying to see the screen, so figure boredom may be a factor. I like to read but find it hard to concentrate on planes.

Just wondering if it is worth lugging a laptop around. I don't want to spend money on a Nintendo DS etc or a portable DVD player. If I take my laptop I could also play DVD although battery life may be an issue. Thoughts?

Answer 1

i would certainly take my laptop if there wasnt any inflight entertainment, though if your going to take your laptop, thats the only piece of hand luggage you can have.  

Answer 2

Well see if you can switch seats with someone near the screen so you can watch it.  Ask the flight attendant.  Bring your laptop and your battery charger for your laptop.  Bring a CD player with headphones and some music and while you are listening to music, you can bring a book to read.  I have been on long hauls before and understand your concerns.  Don't forget your passport and have a safe flight!

Answer 3

If you don't mind the hassles of having to put the laptop and the laptop bag going through x-ray at the airport, by all means bring one.

However, most laptops battery life is about 3 to 5 hours (less so if you are playing games or playing dvds on the laptop).  You might want to consider purchasing the laptop batteries that can last longer than 3 to 5 hours (maybe up to 9 hours or more)

I am not sure about this, but does your aircraft provide a electrical outlet that enables you to use your laptop for an extended period of time? (Some airliners, even in the economy class has one next to their seat)

Just in case the battery does run out when playing,  you might consider bringing an Ipod for music or video Ipod, so you won't be bored.

Answer 4

I travel with my laptop all of the time and love it.  Some planes have electrical outlets so you can plug in your laptop.  You can use your own laptop to surf the web and check email during your trip.

Answer 5

I say bring the laptop, I never travel anywhere without a laptop. Not only can you use it for movies and games on the plane, it's great for  looking up information about sights, things to do, restaurants and night life in the cities you'll be visiting. It's also good for staying in touch with family and friends back home by e-mail or instant messaging. I use Skype and Yahoo Messenger w/voice, voIP services that allow me to call alll over the world to other computers for free and to mobile and land lines for next to nothing. Battery life may be a problem on the plane and if you're a backapacker/adventure type of traveler it may not be worth taking, but if you're staying in hotels and homes it sure is nice to have it with you.