Suggest you look into netbooks instead. I now have an iPad (definitely NOT under $300!), but really miss my ASUS netbook (a friend crunched it by accident, or I wouldn't have the iPad).

I bought an electronic keyboard, since typing on glass doesn't work well for more than tweets, plus you have to have apps to do anything useful, and they don't work the same way as doing things through your browser. I find using my fingers on glass much less precise than a mouse.

apple.com
appleinsider.com

iPad best for me have had mine for a couple of years they will bring the iPad 3 in March so a refurb 2 will be in the late $200s from Apple.com with a 1 year warranty then. Just got a Kindle Fire free with my Amex.com Open Points on amazon.com small screen text was not impressed sent it back was not worth it, even free.Nothing else in your pricepoint
except cheap netbooks which are underpwoered and outmoded.

So iPad for me PM if needed.

I have an Asus netbook that I use for Skype, photo storage/backup, etc. It wouldn't work for GPS, but I never use that anyway. A smartphone would be easy for GPS but then you're loading up on gadgets and cost.


Think of how you want to use the tablet (or whatever). A tablet is big enough to be irritating to try to use on the streets of London if you want to use GPS (or really doing anything with it other than sitting). The main reason you list that a tablet would be better than a smartphone is watching movies and that can be done on a phone, it's just tiny.

For some people a tablet is best, for others an unlocked smartphone, for others a netbook.

Asprin, acetaminiphen or ibuprophin. If I really need to pick up my email, I go to a public library or internet cafe.
I do the research for the trip before I leave home.

Much nicer to be able to use wi-fi in your hotel room. And internet cafes are becoming scarce in some areas. Plus those of us on extended trips certainly don't do ALL the research ahead of time. Even if we did, after a couple of months or so it would need at least a check up.

Iowa-Traveler did you buy anything yet? Still hoping someone will suggest a good tablet in the lower price range... I want to be able to read books on it and do email.

TF

I have a blackberry playbook and I can do all of those on it. I have an app for both kindle e-books and kobo e-books. It weighs less than a pound. I had no trouble using it in London.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab (free with contract) and my wife carries iPad2.

The Galaxy tab is android base and is only 7". Front and rear camera. I have skype on it. Works on wi-fi and 3G, plenty of free apps, inclduing e-reader, games etc. MicroSD card slot for extra storage.

The Asus EeePad Transformer TF101 (not the Prime) is around $300 and works well for what you're asking.

Iowa: After reading PCMag and PCWorld, Cnet and a few others, they all recommended the Kindle Fire. So, as I already own some kindle books I bought one. I've done little more than set it up and start downloading some apps. It does NOT do GPS tho as there is no 3G (what were they thinking?) but there is a mapquest App that will work with internet so you can at least download before going.

I'll let you know how it goes.

TF