I find the duo interesting too. I've used an XP based Atom before and it was ok (XP). I've used a Celeron ULV before and it was dire (Win 7) booting up but once it had it ran video, etc fine. The Duo AFAIK uses a dual core Atom which I've never used before but would expect it to do HD video no problem.

As for the phone I went with the HTC Desire. For FB and Twitter it's more than capable (I use the widgets on the homescreens). Amazon Kindle also works fine and although I'd prefer it on something slightly bigger I can't complain. What I do like is using it for media. I've watched episodes on the bus on the way to work and BBC iPlayer in bed and thought it was spot on. Of course it would be better on a slightly bigger screen but then I lose some portability. I think it's a good tradeoff and the main reason I haven't yet been swayed into the tablet market - and of course that I have access to a laptop.

I have desktops, laptops and an iPad. I do find that I do the bulk on my iMacs but the iPad is so convenient that I use it for many smaller tasks. I use it as a remote control for iTunes even though I am using the desktop that iTunes is on. I can keep the remote screen open and still work. Then if I want to change tracks use the iPad which is next to the iMac. It is very handy.

My first preference would be see if you can can fix it. Next get a new laptop which will be a good option as it covers what you were doing. Finally opt for an iPad as that is the most portable option.

Since I got my iPad most of my online activity is done using it now.
The only thing I use my laptop for is processing images in Lr, and even then only because my CF card reader for the iPad hasn't shipped. There's some drawbacks, but then as the saying goes "there's an app for that".
As soon as the iPad card reader gets to me I'm gonna try an experiment and see if I can not use my main laptop for a month.
That should be interesting.

Mark

It is the simplicity of the iPad that means my laptops have not been used in ages. I can do everything on iMac or iPad. If I were to travel more then a laptop might make more sense.

Just got shipping notification of the iPad CF card reader, so it'll be with me in about a week.

Mark

Ooh, Kindle! Forgot about that. Does it do excel?

I forgot about photos. That's another use for this laptop. Having a keyboard is also kinda important, but I guess if I had two or three devices to cover every base, an iPad starts to sound better. There is something about having something pocketable though and that was the same argument I was having with myself about a camera. As it is, irrespective of the obvious downsides, having a compact means that I do actually carry and use it. Perhaps it's the same for phone vs iPad? Hmmm.....

Right, I've decided that irrespective of pros and cons, I can't really be spending at lot of money. However, I also don't feel comfortable to continue opening and closing the lid of this laptop. Which effectively means that it's not longer portable. Fact is, continued usage of the lid will completely break the hinge at some point. Could be a week, could be a year. But out here, I can't really afford to risk this machine failing (or the screen or whatever). PLUS, I want to spend a little money and have a new toy to cheer me up. I realise this is massively capitalist and western, but I can't help myself!

So.... I've been looking at the cheap Androids for around £150 unlocked from CPW and then ship it here. Like HTC Wildfire etc. Then I have wifi, and can use this: http://www.dataviz.com/ to sort out my Excel needs. This would mean checking flights, and updating my customer list would be possible most places on the island, but I don't need a contract and I could keep the device for when I get home. An unlocked iPhone rules itself out on price, as do the high end Androids. I I'm not really sure what extra they offer. So can I ask for opinions on the following:

a) Cheap, new Android
b) Slightly more expensive, 2nd hand, high end Android
c) Blackberry?

All I'm looking for is web/social networking/the forum and excel. Anything else is a bonus, but camera and music are not important.

Personally I can't stand blackberries. I find them slow and awkward to use. Not used an Adroid so can't comment on that. iPhone all the way here

I've heard bad things about the Wildfire, if you want the proper experience look at the Desire is what I was told.

HTC desire for me and blackberry for work.

HTC Desire Z for 200 notes at the carphone warehouse sale. Only phone product left so probably won't last long.

Let's see I've got....

An iPhone 4, an iPad 1, a Blackberry Bold, a HTC Touch Pro 2 and a Sony Ericsson Xperia mini.

I paid for the Apple devices and the Xperia, the BB and Touch pro are works owned. And frankly I wouldn't have either of the latter two as a personal phone if you paid me to use it.

I suspect a decent Android 3.0 tablet - no, there hasn't been one yet - or an ipad 2 would do pretty much anyone as 'mobile information device' (I don't think they're up to doing much heavy 'computing' though) and the iPhone or a decent Android 2.2/2.3 phone would do just about anybody as a smartphone. After that, it's just about which GUI you prefer, IMO.

Jon

My wife has the Wildfire, and loves it. Although, she isn't hugely technical when it comes to phones and the like - she'll surf the net, do a spot of facebooking and maybe listen to music; at most.

The Desire is supposed to be much more capable (and expensive) but I wouldn't really know.

Clearance sale...

Desire Z (3.7 inch Android 2.2) http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobile ... -Z/HANDSET

Dell Streak (5 inch Android 2.2) http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobile ... K-5-TABLET

Linx N700 (7 inch Android 2.2) http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/broadb ... -LINX-N700

Ummm, yeah! After Matt's comment, I just looked. Can't see a "buy" button anywhere though?!

So which is it? Streak or Z? Just read a review on the Z and it seems ideal, at a not crazy price. But the review I read on the Streak was based on Eclair. The CPW site says it has Froyo now, so is the extra inch worth having?? HELP!