Read some reviews from places you respect. Over here I look at ZDnet and Cnet, etc.

I use a full-size robust desktop at home but have a laptop from work. Nothing fancy, it's heavy, but with wifi I can use it various places without a phone. Be sure to use an encrypted browser setup if you use public wifi.

For quick reading, messages, checking maps, and for calls, I have a Google Nexus S phone (all Google, none of the Samsung software on it, though Samsung builds it.) Reading this thread reminded me I needed to research and download an app for reading Win docs, etc, so I just did that. I can read email attachments this way.

It is a pain in the butt trying to read it very long, but for something to use on the fly, for a way to pause in a store and do a quick check to see if the item and price are really what I want, it works fine. I got a stylus to use on the phone (no slider keyboard) and I'm getting better at simply sending messages with finger typing.

I have chargers all over the place, and maybe that's something you need to think about. If you're in the car for a while, use a car charger to keep whatever you buy up to speed. Of course never leave it to charge when you're not there or it won't be there when you get back.

You should be able to use Linux well enough on a net book or notebook. If you' buy one with a PC OS, I'd skip Windows 8 if they offer it to you (supposed to be out soon) - stick with Win 7 for a while. I think 8 might be more for portable devices, but it will also be new. Don't be the Microsoft guinea pig. :-/

SRS