I'm thinking about buying a palmtop computer/Web tablet type of device. A co-worker recommended the Nokia 770, but I'm not crazy about not having a keyboard. Here's roughly what I'm looking for: -- Something I can use for web browsing, instant messaging and maybe a few basic applications like Notepad or a calendar. -- Something smaller, cheaper and less capable than a full-fledged laptop. -- Something with a keyboard of sorts, so I don't necessarily have to use a stylus. -- Something that can either use wireless internet or be plugged into my cable modem. -- Ideally something with an open-source operating system, so I'm not stuck with crappy software (like the version of AOL instant messenger that I downloaded to my phone, but which doesn't work, but since the phone's system is proprietary, nothing else is available). Anybody have any recommendations?
Palm actually just announced that in about a year, they will premier a smartphone with their own blend of Linux. Incidentally, there are multi-protocol IM clients for Windows Mobile if you go with that smartphone route. By the way, just going "open source" in no way guarantees the quality of the software. Embedded software is always a bit of a troublesome field, and it doesn't just "port over," though this is getting better and better all the time. Anymore, Windows Mobile is where development is at. Maybe this'll change once Palm premiers their new OS, but that really, honestly seems like a last ditch effort to save a dying system to me.
I want something I can take to the lake and simply type on it. At home I want to be able to transfer what I have written to the PC. No flashy stuff. Long battery life. Lightweight. And not as ridiculously expensive as the Alphasmart Neo which is basically a keyboard with an LCD display smacked on (but still is basically what I imagine).
