Beyond the Rhetoric

As I mentioned earlier this week, I’m on my way to Taiwan to attend the Computex Technology Trade Show. This is the first time that I have ever visited Taipei, so it should prove to be a pretty interesting experience. We will likely be relying heavily on Sarah (John Chow’s wife) for interpretation purposes, because I don’t speak much Mandarin beyond “I don’t know” and “I don’t understand.”

Researching a bit about Computex before my trip, I discovered that it is the second largest computer expo in the world. It’s even bigger than the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and that was already pretty massive. To outdo Computex, you’d have to head over to Germany for CeBIT.

Although this is not a vacation in the strictest sense, I still have to prepare for the trip to Taiwan in much the same way. Because there will be no shortage of Internet access, I should still be able to find time to write blog posts here and maintain a certain level of continuity with most of my freelance clients. I intend on doing some Computex coverage for Mobile Magazine, for example.

In terms of what I’m bringing along, the list is pretty much identical to what I brought to CES. I’m still lugging my trusty Canon S3 IS digital camera, Dell Inspiron 640m laptop, HTC Wizard smartphone, and a travel mouse. I’m also bringing a Microsoft webcam, though I don’t think I’ll be using it very much (if at all).

Taiwan’s relationship with Mainland China is always up for debate, but the long and short of it is that I do not need a Chinese Visa to visit the island. Also, although I wasn’t able to skip the lineup at the airport last night (I’m on the red eye to Taiwan), I will be able to take advantage of my NEXUS pass coming back. The NEXUS pass is so worth the $50 fee (it lasts five years).

The weather forecast in Taipei calls for rain and 30 degree days. Hot and wet. That doesn’t sound pleasant at all. Hopefully, the free swag will make up for it.

Filed under Technology, Travel.