The Internet and modem connectors on computers are standard, but the electric connectors are different -- even in Europe. Italy has a two-pin connector with rounded pins, which are narrower than the German connector. There is also a grounded three-pin connector with the ground pin in the middle. New electric outlets use the German three-pin model.
At most international airports, there are "world adapters" for sale, which have connectors for all countries in the world. Such adapters can connect the American flat two-prong connector to electric outlets abroad. The only thing to be careful about is that some models are rather big, so they can be hard to fit into narrow spaces, when the electric outlet is placed in a tight spot.
The electric voltage in Italy is 220 volt, and the frequency 50 Hz. The current as well as the frequency can be variable. This is handled by the laptop AC adapter. Extreme spikes are rare and a separate surge protector usually is not needed.
Many hotels in Italy do not offer free Internet, preferring to charge for access. The price can be rather steep, 20 Euro per 24 hours or more. Using the phone and modem to dial an access number is one option, but the capacity is lower and the switchboards of Italian hotels are rarely set up to handle this.
International direct dialing is convenient, but very expensive. Local access numbers for modem connected Internet exist, but usually require a subscription with an Italian Internet provider.
Free Internet wireless hotspots are available in most cities, often in hotels and restaurants. Using WiFi for Internet access, which is built into most laptops, avoids configuration issues. Check whether the hotel offers WiFi access to free Internet.
For travelers who are going to the countryside, WiFi may not be available, and although Internet access is available almost everywhere in Italy, the access may be limited since the quality of the connecting landlines frequently is low. In that case, a wireless broadband adapter can be used. To avoid excessive roaming charges, use an Italian subscription, for instance with operators Wind or 3.
Some services, like Skype, may require configuration for the location you are in. The reason Skype has to be configured is that "skype out" calls to landlines should be routed locally in Italy instead of to your home country. This is also true for other services which use a default location. Calls between computers with Skype will work without configuration.
Travel insurance may cover most normal goods, but are unlikely to cover theft of laptops, unless the owner can prove that it was in a locked space when stolen. The owners home insurance may cover theft even when abroad, however, and in some cases additional travel insurance is included when tickets are purchased with credit cards.
Insurance may cover repair of broken laptops. This may also be covered by the manufacturers warranty. This depends on the manufacturer. Apple and HP both provide global warranties. They may replace broken products on the spot, depending on how they are broken. Some other manufacturers have similar policies. Check with the laptop vendor.
While it is safe to leave laptops in hotel rooms, they should not be left unattended any more than other valuable things. In meetings, it makes sense to lock them to the table using a wire lock when leaving the room during breaks. Purchase a wire lock before you leave home and make a habit of using it.
Laptops should never be packed in checked luggage, both because of the risk of theft and breakage, and because of airport security. Depending on the level of alert in effect, you may have to switch on the laptop in airport security to prove it is not a dummy. Keep batteries charged. Laptops carried in hand baggage are considered items for personal consumption, and customs will not be concerned with them.
