I'd like to bring my laptop computer with me to Ireland for writing. Will I be able to plug in
or is the electric system incompatible with my Dell?
Also, how available are internet cafes or perhaps lap top rentals?
I suppose, I could rent a lap top if that's an available service and then e-mail my writings to Los Angeles before I return home.
Am I dreaming or are the internet cafes and laptop rentals a real option.
In terms of prearrival reading, I just ordered Frank Delaney's novel Ireland and
also the young person's novel, Island of Horses.
Does anyone have any recommendations of novels, memoires, etc. that provide a description of West Ireland for reading now or on the plane or while I'm there? I did order Michele's book. Now I'm looking for an enjoyable Ireland immersion reading experience before I leave.
I always recommend this book for folks about to travel to Ireland.
It's called "Round Ireland with a Fridge" by Tony Hawks.
It's about a guy on a stupid bet hitch hikes completely around Ireland with a small refridgerator! It's a comedy/travelogue. He runs into some really interesting people along the way. Super fun read. I read it before our trip, and again once I returned. It was even better after being in many of places his adventure took him.
Each laptop is different. Check your user manual or call Dell with your model number. You will need a 3-prong plug. Whether you also need a voltage converter depends on whether your computer is dual voltage compatible. Click here for a plug photo: http://www.glasson.com/nfo/electricity.htm
I wouldn't count on laptop rentals. There are internet cafes and access all over Ireland. Click on IrelandYes Index and then on Internet for a comprehensive list.
Many hotels, guesthouses and even B&Bs are now offering wireless Internet (WiFi) to their guests. At some there is a small charge. At others it is free.
There is another thread about Irish books, which I will top for you. I would recommend a series of books by Niall Williams & Christine Breen about moving back to Ireland from the US. I believe the first one is O Come Ye Back to Ireland. Another interesting read is Island of the White Cow by Deborah Tall. It is out of print so try www.alibris.com or another such site. Don't Miss McCarthy's Bar. It is laugh-out-loud funny.
Found my lap top solution! I plan on writing in Ireland but I don't need all the bells and whistlesof a computer. Nor do I need the weight, the batteries going out, the requirements of being near and negotiating electric outlets.
All I need is a word processer and found, through many recommendations, the AlphaSmart Neo.
This weighs two pounds and runs exclusively on 3 AAA batteries. It goes, they say, for 700 hours before battery change is needed, and it holds hundreds of pages. Yippeee!
Please know, I am not affiliated with this product. I'm just sharing my happiness at finding something simple and practical for writing on airplanes, in cafes, on hikes, while sitting on a wall or under a tree. My anticipation for being in Ireland is even happier now.