Since I am going to be in Rome off and on for the year, I am really going to need a computer. I have to buy a laptop anyway so should I buy one here and then try to convert it with plugs and such or just buy a system there? I am also so spoiled with my DSL speed that I am hoping even without an actual phone line that I can get decent speed with a cell phone. Am I on the right track?
Liz

There is no particular advantage to buying the computer in Italy..the only adapter you need fits on the plug that goes into the wall socket. The computer automatically adapts to the voltage (if it was manufactured in the last five years or so.)

Also you may want an American operating system and an American English keyboard, which may be harder to find in Italy.

In terms of speed from a cell phone connection, unless it has improved significantly in the last year or so, I think you will be disappointed in the performance. However, wireless is beginning to proliferate so you may be able to take advantage of that revolution in computer connection while you are there.

No phone line in the apt? I would consider getting one even if the initial cost is pricy. And, Elizabeth, electronics are VERY expensive here ('cept mobile phones): Buy it in the US. Like Jim says, all power sources for such are 100 to 240 now, just get an adapter.

I'm investigating a wireless connection for my laptop - my husband and I will be renting "Dean's Apartment" for January and February/05 during which time I hope we can call it "Liz and Richard's Apartment" Hope we can all get together then!

Dean's Apartment doesn't have a landline - so I'm looking into 3G connections or GPRS via a wireless phone or aircard - don't think the GPRS will be fast enough, and the 3G is still new and a bit buggy and coverage is spotty. Wireless Hot Spots might be an option - having a look at those too. Happy to share info if you want to email me at eseibertcaREMOVETHIS@yahoo.ca.

Another alternative that's looking good right now is a Blackberry for e-mail access and then using an internet cafe for "real" browsing, etc.

You might be advised to buy the Blackberry in Italy - although if you buy from Cingular you can have it "unlocked" after 2 months and just buy a TIM SIM card......

Hope to meet you in Rome for a Slow Trav GTG - anybody else game??

Electronics are much cheaper in the states... and usually work on both currents..
I know they are also just getting the aircards ( is that where you put in a small card witha little antenna on it???)
here is info from WIND on wireless service in Italy WIFI

I know you can also take your own computer to internet cafe's and hook up and just pay for the time you use, they usually have student discounts.

My friends from the states loved their black berry which functions as a cell phone and for email! and is small!

Buying computers in North America is way cheaper than here.

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Originally posted by Diva:
I know you can also take your own computer to internet cafe's and hook up and just pay for the time you use...

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Maybe you should post info on where this is possible in this thread. I've asked at many in Rome and only found that Easy Internet has this option.

Aside from the difference in cost, I had trouble once getting tech support when traveling in the USA with my Dell laptop purchased here. The machine was still under warranty but my serial number wasn't in their system.

Steph

Thanks for the advice to buy here in the US and bring it to Rome. The whole reason for bringing a computer would be the comfort of having it at home. I don't want to have to go to internet cafes. If that was the case, I would just use theirs. I am looking into a new Mac iBook that is set up internally to adapt to a different currency and would just require a plug adapter. They also come with an Airport Card and base for wireless access where it is available. But in my home, I am still puzzeled as to whether I can actually use my own cell phone (GPS Motorola with an Italian sim card) or not to access my email and surf the web or if I must have a phone line. Help??

quote:

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Originally posted by Elizabeth Reilly:
I am still puzzeled as to whether I can actually use my own cell phone (GPS Motorola with an Italian sim card) or not to access my email and surf the web or if I must have a phone line. Help??

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Using cellular phones can be not only very slow but also very costly. Since you are used to being on DSL, a better option may be having a phone line and a DSL connection with a provider, or even being cabled with FastWeb, that offers telephone services, TV on demand and hight speed Internet conenction (boardband on optical fibers).

>>I am looking into a new Mac iBook that is set up internally to adapt to a different currency and would just require a plug adapter. They also come with an Airport Card and base for wireless access where it is available<<

Every laptop made in the last five years has adjustable voltage...all you need is the plug adapter. There is nothing special about a new Mac Ibook in this regard.

Buy it here, give yourself a few weeks (months) to get it operating properly, much better to do it here and get it working properly in English.....I have NEVER been able to get my "stuff" working right out of the box...