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Has anyone had any experience using CD players and laptops on the train?
I am particularly curious about how well the CD player handles the bumps. Does the anti skip technology help?
Also, is there a place to securely check a laptop in the Portland station while I go into town?
Thanks, Patbl
SunsetLtd Member # 3985
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For the CD player it should work just fine. It mainly depends on the track your riding on. I've found this past march that if you're listening to a CD player and are on rough track it is not very comfortable. You will be constantly trown back and forth. As long as your hold your CD player in your hands you should be able to survive.
CoastStarlight99 Member # 2734
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quote:Originally posted by patbl: Also, is there a place to securely check a laptop in the Portland station while I go into town?
For $2.00 the baggage office will hold your suitcases until your train arrives. I did this in Albuquerque with 2 bags, and it worked fine.
DeeCT Member # 3241
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Best to check with the station --- I know that in the Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago they will not take laptops.
patbl Member # 4303
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Thanks everyone. I decided to just leave the laptop home; that way I won't have to worry about it. As for the CD player, I bought an IPOD today. I was able to download A&E Biography audiobooks on characters from the old west. That should make a wonderful narration on the Empire Builder and the Zephyr without distracting from the sceanery.
:-) Patbl
Geoff M Member # 153
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Redundant information for now, but decent CD/DVD players should not have much trouble even on rough rails. By the time a sharp jolt from the rails gets to your player via the various suspension systems (wheels, trucks, seat, body) it will have turned into a dull thud which most players won't even notice.
But IPods and MP3 players are probably the way to go! Don't forget normal conversation as well.
Geoff M.
Amtrak207 Member # 1307
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My CD player played, even on CSX! All you have to do is put it on the seat next to you our in your lap. I only use it during the very late hours when the Lounge is closed and I can't sleep because the train goes over a few very sharp bumps and I hear ballast pelting the underside of the car and it freaks me out. But that's out my way. Some host railroads are able to maintain their tracks to a smooth and comfortable standard, and others are merely "guidance suggestion."
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