Does such a gadget exist? A portable device for email and web browsing....

[lindrusso]

My son just got a Nintendo DS. While searching for add-ons for him, I found that they have a web browser, so I got it for him. Now he can access the internet on his DS with our wi-fi connection. Pretty cool. It's pretty slow though, but still a neat option.

For me, what I'd really like is a laptop, but I can't justify such a purchase at this point. Still, I'd like to be able to stay connected when we're out of town - a quick check of email or maybe even browse the CL board here and there. ;) Plus access to my Yahoo calendar, addresses and phone numbers, etc.

I was wondering if something like what my son has with his DS existed that was more geared toward web browsing?

I know that Blackberries are capable of email and web browsing (and much more), but they are also phones that require a monthly service plan, right? I don't want any extra costs - by the time I'd pay for a Blackberry and monthly service, I'd be better off just getting a laptop. And again, it's not a business necessity, I'd just like something that could hook up with wireless hot spots when we're out of town.

I've been searching the internet, but am having a hard time defining my search parameters........

Maybe I'll have to get myself a DS.......wireless web browsing capabilities for only $160........or better yet, just use my son's DS....... ;)

Thanks. :)

[misskitty100]

DH has a blackberry and you are right, you have to pay for phone service and email service both.

I vote for you getting a laptop! ;)

[lindrusso]

Sorta answering my own question but.......

This looks along the lines of what I'm looking for.......

HP IPAQ (http://www.amazon.com/IPAQ-rx4200-Mobile-Media-Companion/dp/B000M9OVZY/ref=sr_1_7/105-0725496-1986008?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1181176979&sr=1-7)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p33bcb5fe76e3ee85863d1e7bfd856a8b/e92aab21.jpg

Anyone have experience with anything like this?

[Gumbeaux]

Personally, I think that you would be happier spending a little over a couple of hundred dollars more and getting a laptop.

If you wait about a year, you will be able to get a Wi-Fi phone for free.

[lindrusso]

Personally, I think that you would be happier spending a little over a couple of hundred dollars more and getting a laptop.

Yeah, you're probably right.

But there are too many other things we want for the house that bump any of these things to the bottom of the list, so it's just something to think about if we come into any extra money somehow. ;)

[jmarie]

Personally, I think that you would be happier spending a little over a couple of hundred dollars more and getting a laptop.

I have to agree. Is there any way that this can be justified as a business expense on the end of year taxes. Since we now have Wi-Fi, I have loved the laptop.

We take it everywhere we go. I can access business information if I am gone and husband needs to know something. We can watch DVD's on it, I can use it in the comfort of any part of our house. I will be doing payroll on it while on vacation. I think it is an expense everyone could make use of.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

[kim21]

While I don't have ideas about a portable device...before I had a laptop, I'd visit the library, in whatever town we were staying, and use their internet services to check email, etc. I'm a library geek anyway, and so, that was always fun for me :) Most hotels now have a business center of sorts, with free internet access, too. Best wishes, Kim

[SusanMac]

Actually, I think there's a huge advantage of handhelds over laptops. It totally depends on how you work, how mobile you want to be, whether you're more focused on web/email activities vs. document creation.

I absolutely love my laptop, but I only schlep it around for certain things. I have a handheld Palm (in addition to the HP iPaq, look into Treo / Palm) & carry it w/me most everywhere. My phone is separate, but that's just a personal preference.

Check out some websites like ZDNet & do some searched. You'll find tons of articles, product reviews, checklists to help you decide which features you'll really need & use, etc. Search on PDAs.

[sparrowgrass]

lindrusso, I just bought that very Ipaq in the picture. I am still not sure it was a good deal, but I am still figuring out how to use it. I got mine at Amazon--seemed to be the best price around.

It is slooooow connecting by wireless--I thought it wasn't working at all, but it just takes 3 or 4 minutes to find and make the connection.

I like the fact that I can sync my outlook calendar and carry it with me, without hauling around a paper calendar or daybook. I can read and answer my email, but surfing the net is difficult, because of the way the pages load.

It does come with a fun game on it--good for waiting at the doctor's office or whatever.

I have been trying to download a sudoku program, but I haven't quite got the downloading thing figured out yet. May have to RTFM. (Read The :rolleyes: "Fascinating" Manual)

[Asiadeep]

If you want it even cheaper why don't you search ebay for laptops. Just for peace of mind you can even get a factory refurbished model for slightly more. A lot of people have the latest and greatest attitude to laptops and as such is quite beneficial to those who just want something simple as easy like us.

[lindrusso]

If you want it even cheaper why don't you search ebay for laptops.

I did look at Ebay a while back, but I seem to remember that the laptops weren't as deeply discounted as I expected them to be.

Really, it's nothing very important. Just something that DH and I covet (along with a million other things ;) ) and would like to have. Just was curious as to whether there were cheaper options available that work well.........

As for hotels and libraries - I do use those when we go on vacation - it's nice to have those available. :)

[lindrusso]

Just a quick update to say that I went with a laptop after all.

I received some birthday money and was able to find a basic refurbished Dell laptop on eBay for about $400. It's plenty for what I need in a laptop and I was able to use our Microsoft Office software from our PC for it.

I had been looking at new laptops in the circulars, but it was pretty hard to find anything under $600. Of course today I just saw a couple of ads for very cheap laptops at Best Buy and one of the other stores. :rolleyes: But I can't complain - this one will suite my needs quite well.

I have to say, I'm looking forward to being able to bring up recipes in the kitchen without having to print everything out. I just hope my laptop doesn't get as smeary as my digital camera (which I use for blogging).......... :D :o

[Kiwismommy]

I have to say that I am thrilled to have a laptop in my kitchen. I have a good number of my fav. recipes in Mastercook that I can readily access plus, of course, this BB.

It's also nice to take out on the patio on a summer evening!

I'm sure that this is a great investment for all that you do on the computer. Enjoy!

[hollysmom]

Web TV would be another option but it requires a TV - so not terribly portable. - but I wish I had one now so I could be doing this typing in bed instead of at the desk. I need a laptop too.

SSM