iPod Touch or NetBook

You might check this recent discussion of the same topic:
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/37951/smartphone-or-netbook.html

Netbook...no doubt. They weigh less than 2 kilos and can do everything an iTouch can do, and more. No learning curve if you've used a computer before. And they all (I believe) come with an integrated webcam, so when you get internet access while abroad, you can use Skype to call home.

Welcome back, BTW... There was a recent discussion on this very issue that you might find helpful.

An ipod touch can connnect to the internet, lets you surf the web, comes with a new earbud set with built in microphone--so you can use skype. You can take it with you on your daily journeys to listen to music and podcasts, you can stop at a cafe for a break and log on to the internet if the cafe has wifi. I doubt you want to carry a netbook with you all day.

It will not allow you to download photos for storage but it only weighs a few ounces. If you need to backup your photos, then get a netbook.

Granted, typing isn't as easy because of the touchscreen keyboard but you'll them be less likely to waste time on the computer and do something instead.

Flight Attendant,

Welcome back! This seems to be a popular topic lately, and one that I'm following as well.

The IPod Touch 3 probably won't differ much from previous versions in terms of operation or capabilities. I've upgraded the software several times in my IPod Touch, so it's probably very similar to the G3 model at this point.

The IPod Touch models work reasonably well for "light duty" use in terms of checking E-mail or limited internet use. The small screen and keyboard are actually not too bad after some familiarization, however the small size of both the display and keyboard are still an issue. Battery life also seems a bit limited at times.

A Netbook is a good compromise between a PDA and a full sized Laptop - compact size, light and easy to pack. The newer units provide at least a 10.1" display (usually glossy rather than matte), 160GB Hard Drive and 1GB RAM. However, Netbooks tend to use "lower horsepower" processors such as the N270 or newer N280, so they're simply not capable of graphics applications or others which require lots of processor power (such as that provided by the Core 2 Duo processors in full size Laptops). However, for E-mail, web browsing, etc. they're just fine. A 6-cell Battery is a good idea for better operating time. Some include a built-in SD Card Reader for photos. As far as software, most don't include MS Office but just something like MS Works.

Based on some of the reviews that I've read, not all Netbooks are created equal. Two recurrent problems are keyboard performance and poorly designed trackpads. Some of the top manufacturers or ASUS, ACER, HP, DELL and TOSHIBA. Some of the models that have been getting good reviews lately are the Toshiba NB-205 and ASUS 1005-HA.

I'll definitely be buying a Netbook before my next trip, but as this is the fastest growing segment of the "portable PC" market right now, new models are introduced often so I'm going to wait a few months.

Cheers!

Open Office needs 650MB for downloading.

As an example, my netbook, an ASUS 1000HE, has just over 80GB in C drive and just over 60 GB in D drive. (It came with StarSuite which is OpenOffice's big brother.)

Ken..FYI there is a program called OpenOffice that is perfect for netbooks. It mimics all of the MS Office programs and is compatible with it. Does more than MS Works.

The best part.....it's free.

I brought both and I still managed to keep my backpack at carryon size. I prefer my netbook to use as a substitute as a guidebook, emails and blog writing. I hate using the "keyboard" on the iPod. I brought that along purely for music. I did carry with me in my day bag and occasionaly used it to go online when I happened to be somewhere where they had wifi though. I always left my netbook back at the hotel.

Frank II,

Thanks for the note about Open Office. I'll have a closer look at that when I finally get around to buying a Netbook. I've got the fully licensed version of MS Office on both my Mac's, so it's nice to hear that Open Office files will work with that.

Just curious, how much HD space does Open Office use? I'm a bit concerned that the Netbook HD might be partitioned, and I'm concerned about having enough room for photo storage.

Cheers!

As one who has had trouble connecting to hotspots with my Touch (and I'm not the only one) I would say bring a netbook. For all the reasons mentioned above also. Actually I will bring them both.

I think it entirely depends on what your needs are. If you just want to browse the web, keep up with news back home and write some one or two line emails...the iPod Touch is enough for your needs. Why carry something bigger when you don't have to? The other option is to get an unlocked iPhone (eBay) and buy pre-paid SIM cards when overseas. You would eliminate the need for multiple devices, cords, chargers, etc.

If you plan on doing any lengthy typing, blogging, lots of emails...a netbook would be better.