Hello, my name is Elisha and I'm a Web Designer.
I want to travel and work, and I wanted to know which countries in South America would it be safe to travel with an expansive Laptop and some computer gear?
I really want to go to Argentina, and Brazil, but I'm not sure about the safety on the tourists areas.
Did you ever travel with a laptop?
Is it common?
Cheers

He Elisha.
I did the same on 2007 and it was not a problem at all.
I opened the laptop in hostels to work, and sometimes I had to wait in line for electricity as there were 5 laptops open on the bar at the same time..
It's so common now, so I wouldn't worry about it.
I did it In Argentina, But I didn't go to Brasil so I don't know.
I wouldn't worry about it too much thou.
cheers

Brazil has a very high crime rate, and Argentina as well. The main difference between the 2, is that in Brazil it is unlikely for you to feel safe with expansive stuff, or even cheap stuff, even inside your hostel, and in Argentina, in the touristy places, it is usually safe.
I stayed in argentina with a laptop for 5 months, and didn't have even one incident where I felt unsafe.

Hey Elisha - I have traveled and lived with a laptop in South America for quite some time. Be careful with it. When you leave the house to work, do your work, return home and then head back out. if you're careful, you should be fine. Beso! kim