Best way technologically to be connected on an x-country supported ride ?

[dminden1]

I ride with Driftlessregion - he is true to his word. Having said that, he cheats and calls home on my cell phone... My phone doubles as my bike computer. It has been very helpful to have the navigator, but we tour self-supported and have no sag to look ahead to turns, gravel, etc. It is rare in my touring experience to be far from towers. I do have a generator hub to keep it lit. My smartphone has a fantastic dictation for emails so there is no typing to be done.

[staehpj1]

I'm bringing: (all small and light weight)
a) a verizon connected 4G LTE tablet for off the bike internet, information, email - basically - a computer.

That's a lot of clutter, including the charging wires etc., but collectively, I think it beats the crap out of a smartphone - which is very expensive to buy and to have monthly service.

I am confused.  Doesn't the Verizon 4G LTE tablet have all of those same disadvantages?

[Some Guy Ridin]

I understand your confusion so let me explain...

A tablet is virtually the same thing as a smart phone yet there are some big differences. It's only $30/mo for 2G data transfer (more than enough), a month to month lease allows me to cancel service when not travelling, the screen is 10.5 inches and comes with a keyboard which enhances the ability to read and to communicate in long complete sentences vs. txt msg pckng on tny kybrd. Because of it's size, it functions better as a computer than a smartphone does and it's still light and somewhat compact.

I personally don't like trying to email, surf the web, skype, or play games on a smartphone - it's too small for my pork sausage sized fingers and makes it too hard to read with my much less than perfect vision.

During the ride, I'll have a small cheap phone (when I can get service), an old ipod for music and a camera that will take much better pictures than a smart phone.

Since I already owned everything but the tablet, this works out to be cheaper and better for me.

I hope that clears up your confusion.

[Dr. John]

Any scientists out there know if Homo sapiens have been reclassified as colonial organisms?

[DaveB]

Any scientists out there know if Homo sapiens have been reclassified as colonial organisms?

Decades ago.  Where have you been?

[edevlin]

Ditto on the use of an Iphone 5, seems to do just about everything and you can carry it, even on a supported tour.  Seri will even take dictation and write up emails for you. Here are the touring apps I will put on mine:



Audiobooks from Audible: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trackmytour-travel-sharing/id307303960?mt=8

Warmshowers: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/warmshowers/id359056872?mt=8

CouchSurfing: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/couchsurfing/id525642917?mt=8

Track My tour: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trackmytour-travel-sharing/id307303960?mt=8

Iphoto: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iphoto/id497786065?mt=8

Goggle Maps: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8

Bike Doctor: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bike-doctor-repair-your-bike/id541404972?mt=8

American Red Cross First Aid: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-aid-by-american-red/id529160691?mt=8

WebMD: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/webmd/id295076329?mt=8

Dropbox: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropbox/id327630330?mt=8

Facebook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8

Hostelworld.com: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hostelworld.com/id348890820?mt=8

Skype WiFi: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype-wifi/id444529922?mt=8

The Weather Channel: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-weather-channel/id295646461?mt=8

Weather 2x: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/weather-2x/id512607963?mt=8
 

[rifleman3353]

Check out the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.Its pretty cool.I got one last week and will probably never use half the stuff it has on it.

[staehpj1]

Check out the Samsung Galaxy Note 2.Its pretty cool.I got one last week and will probably never use half the stuff it has on it.

I just got one too.  It seems to be an awesome device if you want a really big smart phone.  It almost verges on being a tablet rather than a phone.  It is a bit on the heavy side at 6.3 ounces, but has a lot of great features.  I have been considering taking it as my only electronic device of my upcoming backpacking and bicycle touring trips.

BTW, a cheap way to go for a bike tour is to get a used smart phone and use it without a SIM card as a wifi only device.  You can even make calls via wifi using skype.  Wifi is getting easy enough to find that this can be a pretty reasonable option.

[PeteJack]

Buy newspapers each day and send postcards.

+1

[jolobike]

You won't need a separate e-reader if you've got the tablet. Download the Nook or Kindle app, and you'll have all your reading materials.

We travel across country in our RV often. From our experience, and that of other travelers, Verizon absolutely has the best coverage.

Have fun!