[pct-l] Writing on the trail

[Wolfgang Greystoke]

Writing on the trail - Re-post in Text, hopefully this will be easier to read.


A different option?

<From: Jes Shap <raztaz2000 at gmail.com>
<Subject: [pct-l] Writing on the trail <Say I wanted to write a book while on the trail.
<Don't worry about the why
<or whether that's a reasonable thing to do, this is a technical question:
<what is the lightest way to do it electronically?



I have tried the journals and the phone. Phones are to small for my mitts and adding a blue-tooth keyboard does not make a lot of sense. The journal works, but it ends up being more of a recap of the day, mileage, elevation, notable sights, etc.

Currently I am playing with a digital voice recorder, it is by far the lightest option out there. Most have the ability to write to micro SD cards, and have translation software that will convert the file to text. Although editing would probably be required. Of course there is always professional dictation services that you could send the cards to as they fill up. Or maybe a spouse could do it, probably not though. :)

The nice thing about the recorder is that you just carry it in a pocket and any time you want to talk or record your thoughts it's there. No need to stop or do it in the tent at night. Most are small enough that they fit in a little zip lock to keep them dry and dust free. The buttons are east to operate through the plastic and voice seems to travel fine through it too.

Most of the Office Supply stores have these and there is lots of options. Look for ones that have a memory card, auto turn off, and replaceable batteries, some are AA, but most are AAA. They seem to last a long time though.


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I like the audio recording idea. Are there apps for smart phones that will
do this?
"JPL"



Yes. Go to the store for the smartphone platform you have, and search for
"audio recorder".

Luce Cruz


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For Android there is "INKPAD" application that converts voice to text that does not need a cell connection.  It works OK.  But it is not something I would try to walk and talk with.  Although at a lunch break or the stop for the evening this would be helpful.  You can then cut and paste to blog posters or other apps.  

I actually like the separate voice recorder it's small light and runs a long time on two batteries.  Using a phone could and most likely would work, But it would also drain the battery faster and is a larger item to hold in your hand.  Mine is a Sony that is about 4" long and 1" wide.  It also has the ability to hook a mike to it and is voice activated.  Just imagine, walking down the trail and having all your rambling recorded!

Wolfman