These are our new blogging tools: a Thuraya Hotspot satellite phone and an Android tablet. In contrast to the previous model this one does not have to be connected by cable to an old laptop with Windows XP. The phone has a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot instead, I can use my tablet or smartphone to make calls or to blog. The bandwidth is of course still very limited, 56kbit/s maximum, but the rates are reasonable: ~1USD per minute for calling, 0.5 per SMS, 5USD per MB for data.

The other advantage is that it comes with an adjustable stand, no need to hold it in your hand always pointing in the direction of the satellite.

Btw this post was sent via geostationary orbit already, if you can read it, the new equipment works.

By the way the wooden box I posted yesterday is our all in one wardrobe/cabinet/locker and (not quite king size) bed. It was designed by Laci and built from pieces of old furniture, some of the boards are covered by beautiful cherry wood veneer. The spare tire occupying the bed will spend the night in the passenger seat, we won’t have to cuddle up with it 😉

With the help of a professional mechanic it was an easy job to prepare the car this year: we replaced bushings and the front shocks, changed all the fluids, mounted new LED headlights, welded together the exhaust pipe which fell off in October, replaced a broken MAF sensor, bought two new tires.

The  big innovation compared to previous years is what you can see on the photo below, guess what it is!