Laptop?

[coldcolorado]

wondering your advise on bringing a laptop.  Will I worry about it getting stolen if I leave it behind in hotels/etc?  how often will I have access to wireless?  Is there worry about it getting stolen while its on me walking around Granada/leon? Is it going to be more hassle than its worth?   We are planning a month -- at least half the time on beaches, but want to go to coffee region, hiking, wildlife as well.   We expect to stay in mid-range places throughout.

Thanks! Pete

[Joshua Berman]

Pete -- I always travel in Nicaragua with my laptop, but then again, I am a travel writer and that's my job -- so the question of "is it more hassle than it's worth" is totally up to you. I've never had a problem leaving it in the room and wifi is highly available in the places you mention -- as are cyber cafes if you decide to leave it home.

[erik nelson]

Also consider whether you want to lug the extra weight around.

[Randall Wood]

I agree that with an itinerary like yours, the weight is the issue, not the risk of theft.  Most mid-range hotels will have a business center or equivalent.  I would probably take it.  Consider buying a last minute netbook for $250.  Not much money, and you've got the best of both worlds.  Mine weighs about a pound and it makes traveling with a computer a heck of a lot easier.

Take it easy - R

[khelzy09]

I agree with the other posters..
is it really worth it..
and also the additional weight..

[casamb]

hi there!

i know this post is bit late...but...unless you NEED to stay plugged in for work...try the freedom of shedding the weight, in more ways than one...my first trip to Nica, i was astonsihed at the gadgets everyone was lugging around...there had been a 2 week transport strike because the cost of fuel was killing any profit for operators...there were rolling black outs in most towns and cities because of the energy strain and these kids were complaining that they couldn't keep their toys charged!...i am not saying at all that you would be like what i sometimes witnessed...and i am not meaning to insult anyone...but i think it is so much more rewarding to look around and find stimulation and conversation right next to you instead of across cyberspace...you are in Nicaragua on Vacation and blessed to be doing it!!...cyber cafes are easy to find and a lot of hostels have computers for free use (when the power is on...:~)  you are going to have a great time...especially after a long winter (i'm in co too!) safe travels.

[daledagger]

Count me in with the pros. Staying connected is much more important than you think.
There is real joy to being able to share the beauty of Nicaragua with your friends and family
Randy has a great idea, buy a cheap netbook.