www.CostaRicaTicas.com

First post here and let me say this is a great site. I am going to CR in about 6 weeks and will most likely stay at the Presidente or Sportsmans Lodge. I normally take my laptop on all trips because I gamble daily on it, check the news and my email. Is it safe to leave in the room while I check out the night life? Also may go to the beach a day or 2 and not sure how I can safely secure it.

It might fit in a room safe.
If not, get a bicycle cable and lock.
Secure your stuff in the suitcase, and fasten it to something stout.
It's a good place for all your valuables, if you have a sleep-over guest.

_________________
It is cheaper to pay now and get it over with.
It is also easier to get them to leave.

NEver had a problem leaving my lap top on desk , hooked up, at Hotels Presidente , Morazon and Amon Plaza during past 3 years 12+ trips.

Only attempt at breaking in was my Novia who had arrived back in my room prematurily [lol] before me , but could not get past login password ,and thus could not turn it off, thus a clear sign to me She claimed she just wanted to check her E Mail--- which she used to to routinely before in my presence.

Anyway, the physical security for your laptop in the main hotels is OK, NOT to Worry

Cygnus

Just my two cents worth:

You most likely are not going to have a problem, but unless you can live without the data on that laptop (or the laptop itself), take the easy and inexpensive step of investing in a cable lock. All laptops have a receptacle to attach a cable lock to. Loop the cable through a piece of furniture and lock it to the laptop. Get the kind that uses a combination instead of a key so you dont have to worry about hiding/losing the key. A cable lock is a good thing to have no matter where you are going with your laptop.

If you are not sure what I'm talking about go to Best Buy and tell them what you need - they are $20-30.

I have taken my laptop everytrip. If I am out for an extended time I will put it in my suitcase in the closest if I remember.

I have left it sitting out at the Presidente several times and have never had a problem.

I do have a cable which I use sometimes.

_________________
"Life isn't like a box of chocolates...it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow." SP

I stayed at the Presidente for two weeks in Nov '04. I left the my laptop out on the desk for the whole trip, and never had a problem. I think they charged 3 or 5 dollars a day for the wireless connection. If you are using the skype program to make calls, then you need a excellent wireless connection. I had to have them move the their transmitting dish two times. Other than that it was great. Bring the laptop, and don't worry about a thing. Pura Vida !

My stays in Oct and Feb I didn't pay for the connection as my notebook is set up for wireless. I asked at the desk to make sure and was told as long as I didn't need their card there would be no charge for the wireless connection.

_________________
"Life isn't like a box of chocolates...it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow." SP

Even if you need the card, there is no charge. Not anymore.

A question about power connections, My research has found laptops , digital batery charger or anything else is compatible with CR
electric company, the only note is you may need a 3 prong American to a 2 prong CR adapter, Yes ?
other than that evrything is the same ?

Fiedler

2 prong will be fine.
Everything like the USA, except the TICAs.

_________________
It is cheaper to pay now and get it over with.
It is also easier to get them to leave.

I have left my laptop, portable DVD player, cell phone, electronic translator, etc. on the dresser or bed at Sportsmens Lodge without any lock of any kind during both of my trips in '05, nothing has ever been touched except to be moved for maid service.....

I know my amigos who stay at Presidente have done the same as I have witnessed.

CG