More of the usual security questions:

First, on average, are the people coming to Amersfoort by plane considering bringing their empegs? Do people bring empegs to this meet? I'm assuming there will be a chance to try out new hardware and software, but is this the case at the Amersfoort meets?

Second, if there is a reason to bring my empeg on the plane over from America, then how can I keep it safe?

- Leave it in the hotel? But who else has access to that room? Cleaning staff?

- And if I'm staying in a youth hostel? I can hope they have lockers or staff-maintained spots, but I'd be nervous.

- Carry it with me every minute? Chance for breakage, thieft (of the entire bag it's in), loss, or insecurity when locking it in a public place that does not permit bags (ie: museum).

- And if I carry it, I'd need protection (Pelecan 1200?) against droppage, water, etc, which is bulky.

- Bring my Pelecan 1400 and fill its built in padlock holes with high strength locks, left at the hotel room attached to a chain which is wrapped around an unbreakable loop, covered up by my luggage or other inconspicuous items? Hm, I've considered it.

I would leave it home unless you want to have something done to the hardware at the meet. I believe last year when they gave out the alpha software cds were handed out.

I see no real reason to bring your empeg, unless of course like me, you're driving there which would be rather boring with no tunes to listen to.

I doubt there will be any new hardware and if a new version of software comes out I'm sure you'll get a copy on CD.

Anyway, you'll be too busy enjoying yourself to think about fiddling with your empeg.

Damn you matt with your lightning fingers!

I did not bring my empeg to Amersfoort. I brought a Karma instead.

The trick is not to arrive with an Empeg, but to leave with one!

The trick is not to arrive with an Empeg, but to leave with one!

<cough> SteveH <cough>.....

Yeah, that was great. He was probably the only guy in that room that didn't have and Empeg yet. It was just perfect !

Thanks for reminding me to upgrade my Contents Insurance to cover the empeg while I'm at the meet this year, and for that matter all the other kit I'm taking on my trip.

I found my travel insurance just didn't cover it, so I re-read my house contents insurance and discovered one phone call could sort it out

Still, I wouldn't be best pleased if something did happen to it!! But the thought of 5000 miles in my Smart without it soon put me right

You can't go to the empeg meet without your empeg, it's just not right!!!

Cheers

Cris.

If you're flying business class, you can hook it up with a universal auto/air power adapter and listen to it en route. (It's also very useful if you want to use notebook computer.) Yeah, if you have a Karma, that's not really necessary, but if not, it works well. I've been on a couple planes that have the power jacks in coach, but not many.

Hm, leave with one... rather, a THIRD one. Sounds tempting.

Ok, I guess I'll leave it at home. Less worry, more fun.

I'll have to bring my Rio Volt instead. ::runs away to avoid being flamed::

Don't be too nervy about bringing your empeg. Most people do, since a lot drive to the event in order to enter the competitions: however, many bring it anyway for updates/software, etc. Plus, if you have a nice one (like Mach's) it's nice to show it.

The hotel does have a valuables safe: if you stay at a youth hostel, you will be quite a way away from the meet - I'd advise the hotel. I am not sure if the hostel staff will store valuable goods. If you are really bothered, I can keep it safe for you at my home.

Take reasonable precautions with your empeg, but there's no need to be too over the top - I take mine as cabin luggage on flights to make sure I can keep hold of it and watch it doesn't get banged about. However, you won't need to walk around with it all the time.

Good to see you are getting excited about the event - beer is booked (a couple of hours ago) and the Friday night's entertainment has been lined up. There's a rumour of a BIG prize at the event - are YOU coming? Yes, you!

See you there, or be square

I doubt there will be any new hardware

Cough, cough cough Laugh Cough Choke choke Ah hah ha ha ha!

Be there, or be square