How long would it take to train someone to confidently use Final Cut Express…and how long would it take to edit, say, a 60 second clip?

I realise that may be asking how long a piece of string is… But do you have any idea? Or do others?

In that case I would think that a Netbook would be the way to go. You don’t need anything sophisticated for blog editing, and long battery life is a must. Some form of back-up power would be mandatory – either solar cells as mentioned, or any other (portable) charging device.

I agree that hi-res photography is not necessary. I think that my old 3.2 Mpx Nikon Coolpix is fine for online photos (eg htttp://twitpic.com/photos/kdelarue).

Video is a nice to have, but may not be mandatory. Travelling light is important, thus if you go that way, a Flip would be good. Again, you need to consider how much editing would be required, and whether the Netbook has the grunt to do it! Audio editing is a bit less demanding.

Net connectivity – at least once a day – is mandatory, and what may be missing from previous comments is one simple bit of pre-planning. You first need to research the infrastructure options available in the places you are going to travel! Mobile phone access of some type is probably the most versatile, but you have to have a phone equipped for the right network technology (GSM, CDMA, etc) *and* the right frequency (800/900/1800 MHz, etc)! WiFi modems are great, but only if WiFi is available – and again check which flavour of WiFi is available. Check coverage maps. Only consider sat phones if you can’t get access to other alternatives in enough of the right places, due to the expense involved. Also, be very clear on the cost options for any of the access technologies where you are going to be before you choose!

Are you also choosing blogging software? WordPress is my favourite.

I think that a most important step is to ensure that you allow time to test out *all* your technology for a few days. Preferably here before you go (if matching internet access infrastructure is available), or for a few days in a capital city in the destination country where more support may be available. You have got to know that everything works first time when you get there, so that you can focus on what you are actually there for!

I would think that something like a Flip Video would be a great tool to have as it allows a blogger to take high quality video and through an on board USB key, transfer video to a laptop to upload to the Internet. While it doesn’t take stills, the system allows stills be grabbed from the video, which are of a high enough quality for Internet purposes. However, the other camera suggestions are also quite good and should be considered.

I think the best type of laptop to acquire would have to be a netbook or something like the Asus Eee PC. I use an Asus Eee PC myself and have found it to be reliable and durable with excellent battery life. I’ve also found them to be pretty powerful if you’re not trying to do major edits to pictures or video. I’d also have to agree with others about getting extra memory cards and USB flash drives.

With respect to Internet access I do believe that a mobile phone (and subsequent package) should be considered that allows the phone to be tethered and used as a modem. Like others have said, a top of the range mobile phone can also act as a camera and video recorder.

Lots of good suggestions here so good luck make a decision about technology to purchase.

As Father Dave mentioned, the Asus Eee PC is a cheap, lightweight option. I have been using one on my travels through Southeast Asia and it’s been brilliant! Easy to carry around due to it’s weight, but not so small that you struggle to see the screen and the keyboard isn’t so small that it’s hard to type properly. The battery life seems pretty good also, and it doesn’t take long to charge. For someone such as myself who has never really been in to this technology stuff, it’s easy to use.

One thing I have found to be invaluable is extra memory cards and USB flash drives. It seems inevitable that something will get lost or stolen when you’re travelling and uploading pictures, videos etc to your computer as well as backing them up to a flash drive means that if something happens, you haven’t lost everything! I learnt this one the hard way…

I also agree a digital voice recorder would be handy as would a mobile phone that the blogger is able to tweet from.

These days you can get small laptops that are light and perform basic functions, such as the new Samsung mini notebook and most have video editing software already installed. I would also take a portable solar cell such as the Power Gorrilla so that you can charge laptops and mobiles while in remote areas. Satellite phones are essential as are GPS equipment when travelling in remote areas. Also quoting the GPS on the blog would be great as readers can see on google earth exactly where the blogger is.

Some areas may also need small satellite dish/es to set up VSAT connections to gain internet access. Wireless modems may be necessary depending on the model of the laptop and whether it has an in-built wireless modem. I would also take a digital voice recorder and agree with Father Dave in that the quality of recording on digital cameras is not always the best.

I would also budget for a good mobile phone that the blogger can use to send tweets while walking about. Most of the new mobile phones are designed to use facebook and twitter.

I think that’s about it?

Also, consider sending spares of some things or at least be clear on how the blogger can get spares if needed – things get lost, stolen frequently while travelling. I would think a built in camera and microphone, plus a flip camera, plus headset and microphone, plus additional power pack might be helpful.