The sporting laptop

Fishing with your laptop

Perhaps the peaceful art of angling and modern technology do not seem obvious bedfellows on first consideration. With the popularity of the sport among a generation who have grown up in the age of the internet however, they area useful and sometimes necessary accessory for the modern fisherman. Many people find staying in touch via email and access to the many resources available online today, an essential part of their daily lives. For those who are not power users and do not wish to spend a great deal on a high performance machine, a netbook is an excellent choice. These ultra portable computers can weigh under a kilogram, making sure they are not a burden for carrying around on fishing trips to remote areas. Wireless capability, combined with USB connectivity means you can keep in touch wherever you may be. Hard drives of 160 gigabytes and batteries that can last for over nine hours mean that even when you are out on a lake or far from civilization, you have plenty of space to store data and do not need to worry about trying to find a mains electricity outlet to recharge your laptop. You can access up to date information on the web to see where the best fishing is to be had and keep abreast of the latest match results and upcoming competitions. Buying a model from a reputable company will ensure decent laptop support in the event that you have any problems with your computer

Toshiba NB100-11R

Capturing the moment

If you like to keep a record of your fishing trips with photographs or even videos of exciting catches, then a more powerful machine such as a gaming laptop is more likely to fulfil your needs. These models come with high-end video cards and a decent amount of RAM, enabling you to edit your images while on the move. They have modern high performance dual core processors and large screens. Coupled with the capability to render video in high definition, even if the original recording is in standard definition, this means you can also entertain yourself by watching a film on your laptop, if the fish are not biting, or at the end of a satisfying day’s sport. If you have ever caught a whopper only to find that on returning home, nobody believes a word of it, you could consider investing in a digital camcorder to record your best (and worst!) moments for posterity. With integrated video stabilization and tripods, you can leave your hands free to get on with the business at hand. An assortment of additional lenses are available, if you would like to take the opportunity to capture some of the fantastic wildlife and scenery that are often encountered on fishing expeditions. Telephoto lenses allow you to take detailed footage of more shy species and wide-angle lenses are great for scenic shots. Modern models are compact and lightweight, and combining the capability of still image photography, make an ideal companion to your laptop.

Toshiba Gigashot A100F full HD camcorder

Mixing business with pleasure

Most of us do not spend our whole lives fishing and have a professional life as well. If you need a portable computer that you can use for work and pleasure, then a business laptop should fit the bill. Combining decent specifications with the convenience of mobile computing, they are equally at home in an office or on a riverbank. They have many useful features, such as rubber-encased hard drives, spill-resistant keyboards and shock detection technology that make them an ideal laptop in situations where accidents can happen, such as on a boat. If you are not the world’s best typist, or just to make it easier when you may be balancing your machine on your knees, some models offer pen computing, which allows you to enter information by simply writing on the screen, as well as the more traditional keyboard method of course. A satellite laptop makes a good choice for business or pleasure, with a range of screen sizes and dual core processing power. Their stylish design makes them look good in the office or outside. Models weighing in at under 2 kilograms are easy to carry around with you and integral webcams and speakers mean you can use your laptop to keep your friends up to date with how your trip is going, when out fishing. You can choose from a range of video cards, depending on what you are going to spend most of your time doing with your computer.

Toshiba Satellite L300-20D

Desktop replacements

Although most of us have found computers becoming an increasingly important part of our daily lives, not all of us wish to start a collection of different machines. If you are looking for a model that can be used as an all-rounder then a home laptop is for you. These are aimed at people who would like all the functionality and performance that a traditional desktop offers, together with the ability to take their computer with them, wherever they go. A basic model still comes with a screen size of over 15 inches and a stereo sound system, so you shouldn’t need to spend money on expensive peripherals. You can find a machine that weighs under two kilograms, so you can still use your laptop on the move, without having to lug around a heavy unit. With the possibility of installing up to eight gigabytes of RAM and a four hundred gigabyte hard drive, you do not need to compromise on the specification either. Features such as face recognition technology for easy logging on and off of multiple users mean you can share such a laptop with the whole family too. A variety of ways to connect to the internet, whether broadband, dial-up or in conjunction with your mobile phone, mean you can keep in touch wherever you may be. Whichever type of mobile computer you decide on, I am sure you will find it will enhance both your fishing trips and your life at home or the office.

Toshiba Qosmio X300-13W