Like so many people in my circles, I am plagued with first world problems that threaten to derail my fragile psyche on a semi-daily basis. Right now I am spinning my wheels about a really tough one: whether or not to buy an iPad for my upcoming trip to Thailand in September. I can’t really afford it, and I thought I had talked myself out of this extravagance, until I had a nice sit-down with my good friend Michelle last night. She is one of the savviest travelers I know — one of those fine modern ladies who has traversed the entire planet with a backback and a pair of sandals on and can hang with equal aplomb in a high-end resort on the shores of Bali or in a seedy hostel in Amsterdam. Furthermore, Michelle knows me really well and she knows how attached my half-assed Buddhist ass is to my gadgetry and my ability to stay in touch via the cloud. She did not recommend that I go cold turkey off my Mac fixation.
 My packing list, so far |
I don’t want to bring my laptop, because I don’t want to be tempted to work, and also because I don’t want to worry about it getting stolen or waterlogged while I’m frittering away my days on white sand beaches without a care in the world. My laptop is pretty much my most prized possession. I value its wellbeing more than I care about the welfare of my own body. If I get rufied in Thailand, I’ll deal with it, but I can’t risk getting a scratch on my Macbook Pro.
Michelle advised me to get the iPad. Not only will it allow me to write (what’s a pen?) but it will preclude me from lugging armloads of books with me on my trip. Also, movies for the plane. Very important to be distracted on airplanes at all times. I’m sure you’ve all seen Bridesmaids by now. I didn’t even laugh during the scene where Kristen Wiig loses her marbles on the plane for a sec. I’ve actually fainted on airplanes. Serial.
Because I am a 6, making minor decisions is really challenging for me. I will end a relationship and move cross-country into a brand new apartment in the blink of an eye — and have done so many, many, oh too many times in my life — but ask me what kind of pizza toppings I want and I’m likely to develop adult-onset epilepsy. So this particular decision is really weighing on me.
Can you guys be a lamb and decide for me?
Yes. Do it. I sprung for the 32G 3g iPad2, but this first gen model will work fine for ya, fit better in your budget, and if you grow out of it in a year or 2 just upgrade to the iPad3 then… http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC349?mco=MjEzNTIxNDY
Do it, iPads are magical time-suckers. BUT! make sure that your charger is compatible with electrical outlets in Thailand.
Get an ipad and make sure you tell your insurance company about it. It will be covered on your renter’s insurance (I’m sure you have it, obvi) if something happens to it.
Also, that “Michelle” chic sounds awesome.
PS Please tell me you back up your laptop…like everyday.
fuck money. or frugality. get it.
Totally agree. You need the best, fastest and most access as possible. You are going to be in a foreign country for Buddha’s sake! also buy the extension cord for the charger… And some decent headphones. Also, you can probably safely add “toothbrush” to your list. It’s early yet, but if you are going you’ll want it.
duh…shouldn’t even be a question. Get to an apple store asap.
I love the iPad! However I am always weary of bringing shiny expensive items when going to places where people are so poor… I guess I’m weird that way.
And as for the plane ride, a zanex will be way more fun!
That said, I will be a little jealous if you end up getting an iPad, I don’t have one yet!
Could be a great idea for a birthday present, which can be difficult to narrow down…..And a reward for extreme generosity. Why not take it up with the appropriate gift giver? And, besides, someone may like to get pictures as quickly as possible. And, when do you leave?
Get it! Try to take good care of it. If it’s in good condition when you come back, sell it.