Mobile devices typically allow users to turn this off. On my Android Xperia X10, it's under "Location and Security Settings" and has separate flags for GPS & wireless networks.
You put too much faith in hotel staff and even hotel safes.
No, I do not put too much faith in the hotel staff; that's why I include one of my backup disks *with* my camera bag.
The simple fact is that if I had to carry my laptop in addition to all my camera gear when I'm hiking up a mountain side, I simply wouldn't be able to cover as much ground. I'm not a professional so I can't afford a sherpa to help carry all the gear.
I'm prepared to lose my laptop. I'm not prepared to lose my photos.
"The four building blocks of the universe are fire, water, gravel and vinyl." -- Dave Barry