jmarazzi Loc: Moving around to stay out of the HEAT

I've enjoyed participating in various photography workshops, especially the ones with critique session. However, that means I've had to schlep my laptop along, in order to get the photos from my camera, do minor editing (I shoot RAW), then load onto thumb drive. The instructors take everyone's thrumb drives, upload to their laptop and projector for everyone to see & comment. Whew!
The schlepping isn't a problem on local day trips, but has become a real hassle now that I'm going on 4-day or longer trips, and flying.
Is there a reasonable alternative to the laptop? I researched the iPads - no problem getting photos onto device, it's the offloading that's an issue. I can't rely on wireless being available in many of these locations, so emailing to instructor's laptop won't work.
thanks

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

How about a netbook? Smaller than a laptop, just slightly bigger than an iPad, some even have 320gb hd, and standard USB ports for connecting camera and flash drive.

picpiper Loc: California

See: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-83435-2.html#1411332

GrahamS Loc: Hertfordshire, U.K

I use a Packard-Bell Netbook. It's the same size as an iPad but has a 320gb HDD and 1g memory - came with Photoshop Elements full version pre-installed. Built-in SD card reader. Fits in my camera bag too.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
So much more versatility than an iPad and approx the same thickness gives you a full keyboard and hard-drive! Plus has USB ports for plugging in camera and flash drives!!

star2344 Loc: Lakewood Ranch, FLorida

I bot a HP Mini 1104. Love it!!!!

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hi jamarazzi, I agree with the others,I also use a net book, (Samsung N110) it has a 10" screen, and measures 10" X 7" just over half an inch deep. The battery lasts 7-8 hours and will slip into the small pocket on my luggage.

jcarlosjr Loc: Orange County

Windows 8 tablets. Most have multiple USB ports. The Win8 Pro can run full Photoshop and Lightroom.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

The Apple MacBook 13" is a lot lighter and smaller than its bigger brother (no duh!). I switched from a 15" to 13" and a 1 TB external HD. Laptop has PS CS6, LR4, Camera Raw, Web Browser.

Apple Aire has few(maybe no usb or firewire) ports.

By staying with the full fledged computer, I am able to perform significant processing without being stymied by very slow processor (30 & 50 megapixel images really expand as TIFFs).

HTH

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

We use a HP notebook,mainly because of small size,great for flying etc.Windows 7 etc.Recommend it.

Scalawag Loc: Far SW Texas

Hope this might help.
A netbook is a good idea. I have one but much prefer the
"showability" of an IPad (64G) and for backup; AND keep sd cards as the original
(hopefully having done a quick purge in the camera of the bad ones!)
It is easy to load the sd card to the iPad with their connection kit.
Then if the card is not full, I just put it back into the camera.
The next time I go to load the new ones to the iPad it recognizes those that
haven't been loaded already.
Getting them to the instructor's laptop can easily be done with
a cardreader that is the same size as a thumbdrive. Mine is
a "MobileMate SD+" from SanDisk. I use it all the time.
But for your uses it might be a little convoluted as you or your
instructor will have to search your card on his computer for
the specific file(s) you want him/her to see. But it just takes
seconds.
I have not been able to take photos directly off the iPad
directly to a sd card. It possibly can be done and would save
that last step.
Regards and good luck!

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Why do you need a pad when taking a photography workshop? I have never taken a workshop but just wondering.

jmarazzi Loc: Moving around to stay out of the HEAT

One of the best features of these workshops is the critique sessions held during the workshop. Each participant selects 3 images they just took - either ones they really like, or ones that didn't turn out the way they hoped. The instructor projects them on a screen/wall and we all have an opportunity to comment on them. Then the instructor adds his/her thoughts. I get a lot out of these sessions, not only for my own photos, but seeing what problems or successes the other participants have.

jmarazzi Loc: Moving around to stay out of the HEAT

Thanks to all for taking the time to reply. I'm googling netbooks as soon as I close this. Re the suggestion to get a smaller MacBook, my main computer is the 17" MBP, which I love. Getting a smaller one for travel is definitely beyond my budget, and I don't really need that much fire power.

Again, my thanks

Kuzano

Don't overlook the Acer Aspire One with the 11 inch screen and the 320 Gb hard drive. Very nice, very slim, very usable. It's one of the best values in NetBook format, primarily because of that extra inch of screen...NICE! Also has one of the fasted CPU's in NetBook territory at 1.8 Gh, and upgradeable to 4 Gb. The CPU Speed and RAM capability are sore points on NetBook. Many top out at 2Gb RAM. The extra length because of the 11 inch screen also pays off in the keyboard not being a bit cramped as most NetBook computers can be. The Acer Aspire One w 11 inch screen is the closest $240-260 deal that you can buy short of an ultra notebook for a lot more.

I am not a fan of Windows 8. It's Microsofts "cop out" to the tablet market, I am giving it a go because I feel we are stuck with it. However, I have my Acer loaded up with Windows 7 (I got one of the last ones out) and I separated a Partition off and loaded Windows 8 on a "dual boot", so I can use either one. However, the "productivity" of Windows 7 makes Windows 8 SUCK!!!

Windows 8 is for play and social media. I am literally convinced that those who say they like Windows 8, secretly lie in bed at night with the covers over their heads and whimper silently for the return of Windows 7.

I also hear the the solutions for making Windows 8 look like Windows 7 are crashing Windows 8 and it often must be reloaded. All this information is verifiable on the internet.

I am "died in the wool" anti-social. No Facebook, I don't Twitter, Tweet or Twat. None of that stuff. HashTag in the Corned Beef variety is something I have for breakfast with two eggs, home fries and wheat toast.

Also, there is no CD/DVD support in Windows 8, but then the NetBooks don't have CD/DVD drives. It will probably be only about a year before no computers have CD/DVD drives. They are going away.. no more optical. Don't even concern yourself with it. Get your data off optical disks and onto conventional memory drives.