My computer is busted.
I will be unable to maintain Internet contact because the LCD screen on my Macintosh Duo 210 laptop has finally died.
A previous problem with missing pixels problem resurfaced, and I tried taking the computer apart and reassembling it, but this time, it didn't fix it. In fact, I can't see much of anything now.
I am typing this letter from a computer at Superstudio.
With no laptop, I will be unable to maintain contact once I enter Egypt. To have the screen on this laptop replaced will cost about $300, which is almost the cost of a new Duo. A new Duo 210 costs only $450, but the customs officials here will add a substantial tax to the cost (perhaps as much as $200). I even considered buying a Newton, which I could use to send email reports, but the cost of a Newton is even more than a Duo 210. Therefore, none of these solutions seems practical.
For future journeys, it might be worthwhile to carry a spare computer.
I will continue to record daily reports with pencil, paper, and 35mm camera. When I regain internet capability, I'll update you with the letters from my notesbook.
Until we regain contact!
-patrick