Tips for travelling with tech this Xmas, how to spot a phone scam
December 15th 2010 11:32
If you're planning to travel domestically or abroad this silly season, take some time to think about what sort of technology you might need, before you start packing your plasma TV.
Here are some essential tips to ensure your tech stays usable, no matter where you are.
Adapters
Leaving our shores? Although most gadgets and appliances support 110v (US, Japan) and 240v (Australia), it’s advisable to check before you head off to avoid any nasty surprises. If you don’t already have one, it’s a good idea to get a plug adapter to convert your Australian plug to suit whichever country you’re visiting.
Internet Access
Depending on the country you’re visiting, this could prove to be quite difficult to find. While developed countries like America and the UK have internet cafes and free Wi-Fi at fast food outlets, many other countries aren’t that lucky. Do some research and find out how easily accessible internet is, if you need it. If you’re travelling around Australia, internet access in regional areas is likely to be a bit difficult.
Memory Cards
Make sure you have enough memory card storage for your camera. You don’t want to be running out mid-(insert exciting photo opportunity here!). If you need to, you can buy more duty free or, if you are able to access the internet, you can upload the photos to your favourite social networking site to sort out later.
Laptops
As portable as traditional laptops get, if you’re travelling with one, you realise very quickly how heavy it actually is. Enter the netbook; ultra-portable, ultra-affordable laptops designed for travelling. They’re great for storing documents and you can even copy photos you take onto it. So if you need access to your emails and don’t trust public computers, you can pick up a netbook for around $300 from major retailers.
Data Roaming
If you’re planning to take your mobile phone overseas, be sure to read the fine print about call and data charges. Making calls and using data while travelling can be exorbitantly expensive. Our recommendation is to only use it in an emergency or, if you’re travelling for an extended period of time, get a local phone or sim card.
General Reminders
Remember to back up your important data before you leave and store it in a safe place, ideally off-site. Don’t forget your cables and chargers! It’s the sort of thing you don’t realise until you absolutely need them; camera charger, phone charger, laptop power pack, electric toothbrush charger, electric shaver charger, iPod charger. Don’t leave home without them or you may end up carrying around an expensive paperweight.
Now we’ve covered tech, if you’re getting your car ready to head on a road trip with the kids, The Buzz Car and Home Insurance, have provided some tips to a stress free road trip.
I'm getting hundreds of spam emails from Nigeria. How do I get out of this situation? From Margaret.
Hi Margaret, large email providers like Gmail and Hotmail provide a good level of spam filtering and should block those emails automatically. If your provider doesn't do this, then the easiest way out is to delete the spam emails as soon as they arrive. You may also like to look at getting spam protection for your computer; we recommend McAfee Internet Security. Whatever you do, don't reply or click any links in the email, even the unsubscribe link! Any replies or interaction with the email aside from deletion can alert the spammers that your account is active; prompting them to increase the amount of junk they send to you.
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