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This is probably flogging a dead horse, but if there are still any
naysayers out there, here is how I used the internet/laptop on a recent
3 month trip:

- Kept my "fans" informed by updating dokodemo.org every several days

- uploaded my photos so I didnt have to worry about losing them (this
was excellent, since I lost my camera in a hotspring, glad all my
photos werent on the card)

- looked up info on parks, weather conditions

- consulted vanagon archives numerous times for mechanical issues

- posted to vanagon list in a small-emergency situation (windshield
wipers died in harsh downpour), got immediate replies which were very
helpful

- kept in touch with friends and family

- organized meetings with people who have complex schedules and were
not able to answer phones at times when i was able to call

- kept track of my bills and affairs at home

- watched a few movies while doing the unpleasant and inevitable
occasional night at walmart

- had a text-searchable list of mechanics from roadhaus.com (this is
AWESOME, thanks larry). A printout is nice, but text searching is
better

- downloaded shows from npr.org to listen to in the middle of nowhere
with no radio signals

Yeah I am a geek, but I don't think it detracted from my trip at all.
I think it quite enhanced it.  For people who are just weekend campers,
I suppose truly "getting away" is great.  I think the vanagon archives
and mechanic listings alone are worth it though.

I'm tempted to claim that a cellphone at this point is a sensible
emergency item, I was in some very remote places with no phones for
miles, and still had signal.  Being able to talk to my sister on
Thanksgiving from a remote mountaintop, while I was eating crackers and
cheese for dinner was a priceless experience.

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>> Hi, All,
>> I'm still stuck in the sixty's for sure,
>> So, excuse me if I dont quite grasp the situation.... but,
>> If we are using a cell phone to talk to people through email on the
>> Internet,
>> Why not just call them?
>> And if we have to find a WIFI connection, pull over, boot up, hook up
>> & type
>> up,
>> why not just use a calling card at a pay phone?
>> I mean, if I were way out in the forest,
>> I can see the efficacy of a satellite phone,
>> but still,
>> I guess I go into the forest to get away...
>>> From all the people???
>> Keep it Simple...Make it Fun !!!
>> JC...
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