Travel solutions for the computer dependent

  VS. 
Link: Apple's iPad vs. Kindle, Eee PC, PSP Go

With our upcoming travels and baby and all things considered - I was thinking to get myself an Apple iPad as a lightweight companion tool for use on the bus during my long commute as well as for when I eventually take the baby out for walks and the like.  Our household has a ton of computers (most of which are in the domain of my Geek husband) but I am constantly on the look out for something that will allow me to spend time with my scribbles (and the occasional game of Bedazzled Jems/Scrabble).  

The downside to the Asus Eee Pc is that it runs Windows7, and I am firmly in the Mac/Linux bias at the moment.  That said, when developing sites - it's always good to check out how the site runs on IE (which I would never have on the aforementioned operating systems).  Most of my interactions are from websites and so it shouldn't slow me down any when it comes to blog posts and the like.

The second downside is that it only has a 0.3MP camera.  But wait, the ipad doesn't even have a camera!  So in that case, it's a point for the EEE.  

In terms of battery life - 1 hour difference isn't significant - if you're buying the EEE model that holds a charge for 8-9 hours.  In terms of speed, all the reviews on bestbuy.com suggest upgrading the 1GB to 2GB to speed things up.  Also, at some point I may just have UBUNTU running off the little PC which again would speed things up. (Still not sold on the Windows7, but I will give it a shot and rant or review on it!)

The BIG upside to getting the Asus and not getting the iPad is in having a keyboard (so I can bang away at emails, scribbles, and rambling blogs).  I added the ipad to a cart, added the case, added a keyboard, etc etc... and realised the price has suddenly gone up by more than $200!  I'll digress a moment - a long time ago I had a palm pilot (2MB!) and I invested in the foldable keyboard.  I still found that it was more trouble than worth and I never did end up using it to the extent that I originally wanted to - I'd leave the keyboard behind and then realize I wanted it.. or be carrying it around needlessly.

I'm also a clutz and seeing the state of my beaten down Blackberry of not even a year - I'm wondering how well the screen will take a beating.  In comparison, a smaller laptop that closes and that I could keep in a neoprene sleeve... 

Admittedly, I would get the ipad regardless were the price significantly lower.  But when it comes down to it - the netbook is half the price and I can get it on the same day I want it.

Finally - weight.  The ipad wins in this department - but what if I'm carrying it in a case, with a keyboard... suddenly it's bulky beyond belief!  So even if the netbook is a bit heavier (2.9lbs, 1+kg).. at least it's compact.

So Asus EEE PC Netbook... you are my future.  Reviews & Rants to follow!