To date, our research would confirm much of what J wrote. No single device can do everything, and as I already have an ipod, a cell phone, and a digital camera, the question is what am I going to use this new device for most? That is probably typing – something you can’t really do well on any of the smart phones.

I set the UNGS to work on the problem last night, and now I will shamelessly take credit for the fruits of his labors. (I fed him while his fingers did the walking and folded his laundrey. That has to count for something!)

  • Laptops are too big and too heavy. There is no way I am schlepping our monster back and forth to work.
  • The whole point of this is internet, internet, internet. The mini computers don’t have PCMIA slots, but the Acer Aspire One is coming out this Fall with built in 3G card.
  • There aren’t Linux drivers for the USB internet sticks yet – which would mean if you wanted to go with the hardware available now, you would have to get the more expensive windows machine.
  • Waiting for the 3G computer means saving money by not having to buy the card, and not having a card or stick hanging outside the computer. You could also go with the less expensive operating system.
  • Isn’t it cute?! The brown is alright, but I am more of a Saphire girl myself. Here’s the web page with lots o’ info. http://www.acer.com/aspireone/
  • The UNGS read that vod.afone has better coverage outside of more urban areas, so we would likely go with them – that and he found a 6month contract for data yesterday (I can’t find it today). O.2 offers much slower connections and T.mob.ile supposedly has better coverage in the cities.
  • Pretty much all of the contracts forbid VOIP and instant messaging. How is that supposed to work? (see, i promised dumb questions!)

And yes, I read, or at least I read once and have ordered a new book and bought some more Spanish workbooks, so I will be working on my vocabulary as well.

The long and short of it is that I plan to wait, at least until October when the new hardware is supposed to come out and will reconsider my options then. Til then, I can dream of toys.