You’ve already listed your pro’s and con’s and it seems that there are more pro’s in your case. As for theft – I won’t leave the laptop in a dorm room; hostels often have safes for valuables but I’m not sure whether laptop will fit into all hostel safes. However, I think you can agree with the reception to leave it with them – or just take it with you if the weight doesn’t bother you much.

Wait, what are you going to do about internet access for your work? Its not going to be readily available in all the coutries you say you are going to.

I check in on work from internet cafes. You’re planning on accessing the web from, where? Internet cafes are easy to find and while access can be VERY slow, you probably won’t get better access with your laptop. Unless you’re staying in pretty fancy hotels, places where you can use your laptop aren’t likely to be any easier to find than the internet cafe.

I don’t even THINK about taking the laptop unless I’m staying in one place for at least two weeks and even then, I usually don’t take it. IF I take one, it’s the old one on the theory that if it fries, gets stolen or fails, I haven’t lost much.

Issues: Electricity: take an electrical adapter plug (you’ll need a different one for UK if you go there). I found the expensive, round, fits-the-recessed-grounded-outlets one helpful in some locations, so I’d recommend both that and the regular two-prong one. An extra long power cable is extra weight, but probably worth it.

Warranty/repair: Since it sounds like computer failure will be a serious problem for you, make sure your laptop warranty is "good" (most aren’t or require a $250 add-on) in Europe and know how and where you can get it repaired. Having to ship it back to Gateway in South Dakota will be the same trip ender as getting it stolen. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating on 220 volts (e.g., only using it for 40 minutes at a time and unplugging it when you aren’t using it).

Phone: You’ll need adapter plugs for phone jacks, too — I think there are numerous different configurations. Take a long phone cord.

You might find this helpful: http://travelite.org… Click on the Austin house brouchure for more information about electricity and phone connections.

I need my laptop with me for work so I always do carry it around with me when i’m away.I would also rec looking at insurance just for the laptop that would cover accidental damage that your travel insurance may or may not cover.I have insurance from a company called safeware and they have been excellent when I had a problem…
-howie

I carry mine as my travel sites pay my way. No big deal.