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Best Wi-Fi Portable Browsing Device?
foxxo writes "I'm a library worker, so I get lots of questions about our collection when I'm out in the stacks. I'd love to be able to access our online catalog and give patrons more comprehensive guidance without directing them to the reference desk. What options are available for a portable device with Wi-Fi connectivity, full-featured Web browsing, and (most importantly) no cellphone-style activation and service fees? Size is important, too; I need something I can carry in my pocket, not a micro-notebook with full keyboard. (And I am a library worker, so low cost is key!)" One device that sounds interesting in this category is the GiiNii Movit (not yet released, but shown off at CES). What can you recommend that's out there now?
No recurring fees, I just picked one up for $222.
I don't care about your karma, I don't care about what's hip. --Weird Al
iPhone or iPod touch, assuming what you want to access is browser based.
Low price? Not so much, but if you have one anyway... Or were looking for a tax write off this might be the way to go.
Sig Battery depleted. Reverting to safe mode.
My Nokia N-800 isn't bad. It's pocket-sized and has a decent web browser. I've switched now to an Android G1, so I don't know about recent developments. You do have to use the stylus to use the keyboard though. I've heard that the newer model has a pop-out keyboard, so that might be better.
Gotta say the cheapest iPod touch is probably going to be a good bet here, particularly as it's a wifi-only device; you don't have to buy a whole cellphone at the same time.
Forget world peace, bring on -1 pointless
Surprisingly its my PSP that I usually break out in situations where I need to browse the web but can't be at the computer. Yes its a game system but the wifi\browser are fairly decent if you can live without WPA2. I'm not too sure what else is out there, but a PSP can be purchased in the $150 to $200 range.
can't sleep slashdot will eat me
For sitting in a wifi coffee shop, I'd say my Eee 900 is a great compromise. Then again, having watched my friend playing with his iPhone I'd have to say that, for ultraportable / ultraconvenient / always with you access, the iPhone (or iPod touch) are probably the best you can get.
Rampant carbon sequestration destroyed the Dinosaurs' tropical paradise. I'm here to help repair the damage.
Nokia N800.
Handheld Linux machine (the nerd's iPod). Small enough to go in a pocket. Mozilla browser. Big bright 800x480 screen. WiFi. ~$200 if you can find one.
I'm a Programmer. That's one level above Software Engineer and one level below Engineer.
Work with wi-fi.
How about a good old HP Ipaq with Wi-Fi to connect to your own network? Check them out here http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/can.do;HHOJSID=JbhsJ0gRVTyJS4M8kthGtn9GVVQ2dVLy2dnJjVMGN1t30Pmmpzmw!2025033603?landing=handheld&category=HP&catLevel=1&storeName=storefronts&lanAttr=Type
The iPAQ 110 is fairly new and if you replace pocket IE with something a bit better like Opera Mobile it would work pretty well. You can get it for around $200, depending on where you look.
If you have a Nintendo DS Lite, you can pick up the Nintendo DS Lite Browser cartridge that runs Opera for about $70.
Elegance is for tailors. -A. Einstein
On another note, I think this is where Amazon really missed the market for the Kindle. If it had wifi, and had a web browser, then the kindle would be one of the greatest pieces of hardware on the market, and perfect for this type of application. Of course if it had wifi, then Amazon would certainly lose revenue on book sales and would not be able to pay the cell phone bill that currently allows wireless delivery.
In any case, there are a number of option out there, but wifi without cell phone there is no choice, and most other options are twice the price fo the touch.
"She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
http://openpandora.wordpress.com/
should be available cheap, put on the opera mobile browser
and you are all set to go.
I absolutely love mine. The browser is excellent for a mobile device, the hardware is robust, and the physical keyboard/trackball makes browsing a breeze. The browser supports java, and will also soon support flash, you really can't ask for more.
Our greatest enemy is neither a single man, nor is it a nation, it is, as it has always been, our own greed.
I have a Samsung SCH-i760, which has Wi-Fi capability (B/G) and a slide out full QWERTY keyboard and I put Opera Mobile on it (though it does have IE since it's a WinMobile device).
I'm sure you could find someone you know that has a cell phone they no longer use or about to up-grade that has similar capabilities and use that. Hell, my friend just gave me his Blackberry 8330 when he got the Storm, and I'm sure you could find someone willing to just hand-off a Wi-Fi enabled phone.
if there is one device that has absolutely nailed the portable web browsing category, it's the iPhone. I've used Blackberry devices, Windows Mobile smartphones, a bit of Symbian and Palm, and nothing could render most of the web as good as Portable Safari has been able to.
Additionally, they can be found for under $200.
Just found this on wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handhelds_with_WiFi_connectivity
I have a Nokia N810, and think the 800 pixel wide screen is its killer feature. With an 800 pixel screen you can run any web site and not be stuck in the "mobile ghetto".
iPod Touch is the obvious choice. It won't give you flash, but otherwise it has a great browser and is incredibly small. You'll be able to reference things quickly and you can use it for music as well.
I would go with second gen iPod Touch because it is slightly faster than the first gen and iPhone. You should be able to pick up an 8GB for $299, it will be a good investment if you take the initiative to really use it.
I own a nokia 770 and it works quite nicely for simple browsing, I can imagine it would be just fine for a simple library webpage. they can picked up for not too much if you keep your eyes open on ebay, around $50 maybe. The only problem with it is having to use the stylus for the keyboard. If that isn't acceptable to you, then the ipodtouch is probably your best bet with it's better on-screen keyboard.
Think the question missed an important point: does she want to be able to search from a web-enabled OPAC or does she need to use Windows in order to access a ILS system? As an example: Sirsi uses software called "Workflows" to access the actual ILS (Integrated Library System) in order to search the catalog, place, holds, order items, etc. The only approved OS's for this software is Windows XP (and Vista... just barely). This discludes just about any Android or Linux enabled device, but her mileage may vary by what ILS her library relies upon. If that's the case, then you can find examples of this at libraries around the nation. As an example, South Lyon Library in MI has "Roaming Reference" capability through the use of Tablets. Some of the newer Netbooks are likely more than capable as well, if not quite as portable.
Put in a cheap WiFi Router in the Library (set for 802.11b only; the Palm can do 802.11g), and WEP for security (if you must; why not let others use the same database?). Cost: About $35 Now, buy a used Palm Tungsten C from eBay (about $75), and make sure the seller guarantees the WiFi will work (many don't). Now you have, for roughly $125, your own link to the network, and no further monthly expenses. I've got lots of clients where we do this; I use my Tungsten with those system almost every day.
You need to keep in mind what kind of wireless network is available.
My school dropped 802.11b a year ago (only 802.11g now), so some devices(i.e. Sony Mylo Com-1) simply can't see the network. The network is secured via 802.1x/WPA2, so some devices that can connect don't have the software to authenticate(i.e. Sony PSP).
Borrow a friend's iPod Touch and see if it fits the bill. It's the obvious choice to me unless you require Flash.
I keep my iMac's built-in Airport turned off because, sadly, I have nothing else to connect to it. (Yes, I too am on a budget). But an iPod Touch or similar device would be nice. I've read in David Pogue's "OS X Missing Manual" that you can share the Mac's internet connection to computers using Airport. Seems simple enough; I'm just curious if anyone is doing this.
Oh, yeah, it's not easy to pad these out to 120 characters.
I've got a Sharp Zaurus 6000 that has all of the features you're looking for: built-in wifi, a physical keyboard, and a sharp and bright touchscreen. The later zauruses might be even better with the clamshell design and better battery life. The only drawback is that they're not as easy to find since Sharp discontinued selling them in the US.
If you don't mind getting the WiFi from a compactflash wifi adapter instead of being build-in, the older 5500's turn up frequently for a reasonable price.
Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
I'm surprised no one's suggested Kindle yet. From what I've read, it would fit a few use cases.
Can you be Even More Awesome?!
Some older Palms have Wifi with decent browsers. I'm fairly sure they support Javascript. They'd be nice and cheap, but their battery life is limited.
--<Mike>--
psycho-phone with full web browser.
boycott slashdot February 10th - 17th check out: altSlashdot.org
Have a look at the Archos devices. You can pickup some of the older models with Wifi as refurbished.
My Archos 5 is my, surf, watch movies, store data, listen to music, and play games device. The current 5 and 7 are called "Internet Media Tablets".
With Opera as the browser and flash support its really a nice internet experience for a small device.
The iKit is pretty cool http://www.comsciences.com/product.htm
Mobile Internet explorer is useless. The best you can get on windows mobile is Opera Mini. But that mimics iphone/ipod touch behaviour, so it's better to have a iphone instead.
I really believe this is your best option given current info. In any event on any given day there is likely to be somebody in the library with one. So you should be able to verify quickly if it is up to the task. I don't have a Touch myself but rather an iPhone which works fine at the local library.
As others have mentioned the Nokia N800 series is a good possibilty if not a bit bulky. While I hate to even bring this up I suspect that the iPod Touch will perform better overalll. Also if you are thinking beyond the library Nokia kinda screwed up with the latest N810 in that they where far to stingy with respect to built in Flash. If used a a single task device though you might be able to live with it.
The other manufacture to consider is Archos but I have very little info to pass on about their devices. Like any of the above you really want to check it out on your network. There are other manufactures of suitable hardware but names escape me right now.
Though things are constantly in flux I would have to say that Safari on Apples devices is the most well developed mobile browser. However don't even think that it is comparable to a desktop browser as it is very far from that.
Dave
If you want a great multi-purpose device, check out the Archor 605 Wifi. It is also 800x480 like the Nokia, with a vibrant touch screen. It is bigger than an iPod, but also has 160 gigs of storage, great music / video player support, Opera browser with Flash support up to version 9, and other great features. Also, cheaper than an iPod, and I'd highly recommend getting it with the docking station, which basically turns the thing into a TiVo.
How about a "Touch Pad" from Always innovating. They claim a 10 - 15 hour battery life. Can operate as a netbook style device or slide out the monitor from the keyboard for tablet style interaction. http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/touchbook/
For serious browsing, you need the full scale browsers. For this reason, the cheapest and most reliable tool is either a UMPC or a Netbook like the Aspire One. The Samsung Q1U is also a nice device but somewhat pricey.
I often do something fairly similar. I'll go to pick up something and end up cruising in the stacks. There I will browse. When browsing I'll often see something I want to read. The question then is do we have it? With the Opera Browser loaded into my Nintendo DS, I can login to the WiFi link and pull up the catalog. When I'm done, I shut the DS, drop it into a pocket and move on. It works like a dream! Also, even if the kit is bought new, it is pretty cheap too. I bet with second hand equipment, it could be got for under $100. Oh yes, the few students who have seen me do this seem to think that it is pretty cool too.
I've been using an Archos 5 120 gig internet media tablet that gives full Internet accessibility, no monthly fees, and you can sneak into a quite corner and catch up on your favorite TV show that you DVR'd the night before. Down-side? A bit spendy. The 60 gig version is around 340 and the 120 gig version is 399. The upside: you can download an entire (small) library of books in pdf format and they read beautifully on the device's 5 inch screen.
The keyboard on the n810 is almost perfectly flat with a hairline space between keys. Hitting multiple keys is extremely easy, and it is necessary to look at the keys while carefully clicking with my fingernails. The thumbboard on my Tungsten C is a fraction of the size, but far more useful. Even the popup stylus keyboard on the 770 is less trouble. The 770 automatically goes into suspend when the metal cover is flipped back on - unlike the slide button on the n810 that can get triggered accidentally - and it doesn't insist on wearing out the screen while charging.
i would have to recommend the ipod touch...since screen size was not a requirement you mentioned i believe the ipod will fit your bill. a new one is only 229 assuming the wifi is already in place and the things you can do with it are long(shame on apple for once again going the closed route!...big surprise right?) inspite of that shortcoming the ipod has proven to be the best device i've ever pony'ed up for... i have few doubts the iphone would be better if i could afford paying a monthly fee for wi-"max" which to me is a connection nearly everywhere i go. nough-said
my hiptop 3 phone is great for very simple websites on the road (although it is slow - but cheaper than being on a next-g plan and more coverage in austrlaia). I use the N800 in my bed just for looking at youtube, etc also a great alarm clock (although an expensive one if you were to use it just for that). I'm using the N810 OS for it atm because it proved to be much smoother for youtube streaming etc. I upgraded this over a year ago but haven't done any recent updates (cbf'd). There is also many useful apps for these devices too.....
the upcoming nintendo DSi has a built-in browser, touch screen keyboard, SDHC, and ability to play games. and at 170$ is much cheaper then an i* or a silly phone.
Use the Touch with Google's free search app, and you can SPEAK your search term into the system. Works extremely well.
Any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so.
The n810 keyboard is pretty bad - the keys take serious effort to use, and the layout is counter-counter-intuitive.
I find it faster to use the on-screen job with my fingers than the keyboard, but I have fairly large digits.
... that bugs.
It's this habit that the anti-fanbois -- a population much more rabid and present on Slashdot than actual strawman fanbois bandied about here -- have of insulting anybody who has decided the Apple products meet their needs best.
Apple Fan: I really like my iProduct! It fits
AntiFanbois: Pshaw. *MY* favorite product had the features I prefer two years earlier! I see no value in iProduct! People who buy it are stupid and easily distracted by shiny things!
Apple Fan: You're kindof a jerk.
AntiFanbois: See? Apple Fans can't take well-reasoned criticism of their beloved products! It's a cult!
Apple Fan: I'm not sure we can be friends.
AntiFanbois: See? They isolate you socially! Totally a cult!
Tweet, tweet.
Get a used pocket pc from ebay with built in wifi. I have a Toshiba e740 and it has been able to surf the internet for years.
I carried a Palm T|X for quite a while, and in fact used it as my primary internet access device for a while. It worked rather famously for me.
It has a nice, large screen (Both physically and given the ability to hide the input area, resolution wise, it's a usable QVGA), 802.11b (Do you really need g for this application?), takes a SD card (Though if all you're using it for is the stated purpose, that's beside the point.), easily slips into a pocket and there are three browsers that I can think of off the top of my head, so the odds are good that you can find one that will play well with your ILS site.
I've seen them on eBay for 50-200 dollars,, though I might suggest being wary of the lower end of the cost spectrum, given that there are some issues with the power button on them.
The other thing I'd suggest if you go this route is to pick up one of the aluminum hard shell cases (About $45 last time I bought one.). I carried my T|X in one for three years, in a highly physical profession and never had any damage to the device itself, though I did have to replace the case once. (You try crawling into a car wreck and lying on a iPhone for 45 minutes, tell me how well it holds up.)
(Unkie) Reamus
I needed a sig so people would know who I am, but I was too drunk to make something witty, so you get this instead.
Don't do it. It's a library trap. If the chief librarians wants this then have chief librarian buy them. You'll make the other POOR librarians mad since they will have to buy their own.
-former librarian.
IMHO, the iPod Touch is a terribly overrated device. It's too small, slow and buggy to be useful for anything more than light use as a web browsing device.
If you like the Movit, you might also consider the AI Touchbook.
STFU about slashdot bias.
N810, I second it..I mean, 516th it.
It's all well and good that you may like these devices but please, pay attention to requirements and stop acting like systems engineers.
... because, unlike the Nokia, you probably know someone who owns a touch or an iPhone and you can test it before buying! Or, if the online resources are web-accessible (as opposed to only available in the library) you can just go to an Apple store (if there's one nearby) and check one out there. Not that I have anything against the Nokia, but there's no reason to buy something sight-unseen if you don't have to. If it looks like the iPod won't work for you, you can consider alternatives. The Nokia tablets have larger screens but the iPod's pan-and-zoom system works pretty well and its small size is great.
Dear Slashdot: next time you want to mess with the site, add a rich-text editor for comments.
First we had Fanbois; but they went out of control and we were forced to create the AntiFanbois.
But the AntiFanbois too went out of control, and here we see the development of the Anti-Anti-Fanboi.
I fear this arms race will never end.
Get an iPhone and don't activate it. Instead, provision it for development (you can do so by downloading the iPhone SDK) and you'll be able to use it without activation.
That's what I did (I inherited my iPhone from a friend who decided to move on the the iPhone 3G) and it's been a solid little WiFi device ever since.
Uh, maybe he's got a Dworak layout?
Read; Write; Execute
First, a note - if you just need a curses or other CLI based interface, theoretically, any PDA device or PDA phone should work.
Palm Tungsten or TX devices work OK, and Blazer works decently on the "mobile" version of King County (WA) Library's online catalog. It has a time parsing the full website however. Tungsten E2 devices run about $150 on Ebay. Note, too, that Tungstens and Tungsten E2s require a device to be added on through the SD card port on top to achieve wifi - beyond that, the line I think has inbuilt wifi.
Windows Mobile devices work OK, but Pocket IE is going to have the same issues parsing sites that Blazer does on the Palm devices.
From there, the Nokia tablets work incredibly well, and parse web pages better than the above PDA devices.
Going up in price, of course, you have the newer web-enabled phones - T-Mobile offers the G1, Samsung Behold and Memoir (the latter of which is just a Behold with a good res camera stapled to it), and other carriers will offer similar devices. Note, though, that at this point we're entering into the realm of cellphones - so this is probably going to be more than you need, especially since most libraries that I know of frown upon people using their cellphone inside their buildings.
Didn't mention the iPhone (aw, dammit!) because the keyboard interface...well, it's not a full keyboard, it's a keyboard-like interface that you would require one finger for. Two and that means that you have dropped the phone, put it on a table, or are good with your index and middle fingers. The iPod Touch is right out in that regard - the iPhone is basically a iPod Touch with a GSM phone in it.
This sig no verb.
I have to say that it sounds like an Ipod Touch is what this person needs.
The reason why I'd recommend the touch over the Nokia Tablets is simply its a bit thinner and smaller and can fit easier and more comfortable in pockets. Although the Nokia tablets have a built in keyboard and higher resolution, I prefer putting the Ipod Touch in my pockets far more often because of the size of it. Also, the resolution on the Ipod Touch doesn't seem as big of a problem as I thought because the zoomming features of the built in Safari web browser is actually really really good. In my opinion, it works better than the Opera browsers on the Nokia devices. But if you need Flash, then the Ipod Touch wont work for you.
This being said, I use my Dell Mini9 netbook most of the time I go places. Simply it allows the most functionality with a somewhat typeable keyboard.
I brought an OLPC with me on vacation. With XBuntu the thing rocks! No moving parts, Water-proof when closed. Super wi-fi antennas. Hi-res daylight readable screen. Super light and easy to carry around.
Only prob is it's not too slow to run flash but a bit too slow for flash video :(. If they fixed that it would be a total dream though.
Comment removed based on user account deletion
I do a lot of work in libraries, and the n800/n810 wins here.
Say what you will about Apple's nice toys, the n800/n810's 800x480 screen is key for library catalogs (I use a n800, but I gather the n810 is what you can get these days). If you've been to many libraries, you know that catalogs tend to display a lot of information that is handy to have on the screen at the same time (such as title, call number, status), and they don't usually format it for a mobile browser.
I'm sure the iPod Touch has a prettier browsing experience, but for running this sort of work, the n810 wins.
Some library sites do run flash, by the way. And I can understand why Apple wouldn't implement Flash: that crap can chunder a slower device into tiny pieces. Apple's aiming for a consistent user experience; Nokia's letting their users take the device to the limit and beyond.
If only they had thought of the Anti-Anti-Anti-Fanboi! The fools! When will they ever learn?!?
I fear this arms race will never end.
Which will result in quite some arms...
Soon, the world of swimming will be dominated by former slashdoters.
You've ended your comments with these sentences:
You must be an advertiser, copywriter, lawyer, toastmaster, or simply someone very experienced with writing conclusions. You write very well.
My admirations.
Flash is a interpreted programming environment using its own video rendering, its own code-base, and in most cases, its own internal language-within-a-language API-set to make matters worse. All of this runs floating high atop the application-layer. Even Java, as a language, has the *possibility* of JIT and hooking native graphics/text engines.
Flash is simply the most inefficient way to build anything today. Yes, all that inefficiency buys compatibility, but at a tremendous cost that no portable-device hw engineer should have to bail-out. I don't blame Apple in the least for baring the biggest sham bloat-ware to hit the internet to date. Flash is a shining example of all thats wrong with the computer industry today. Kudos to Apple for realizing this.
(Now, the fact is that I've not seen this said here, so either the Adobe Flash Gestapo has mind-controlled the slashdot mod's or else there's not true OSI-wielding code monkey left in these parts, sad.)
Lisa: "But then we're stuck with anti-anti-fanbois!"
Skinner: "When wintertime rolls around, the anti-anti-fanbois will simply freeze to death"
See, it's simple!
Doesn't use WiFi, it uses the mobile 'phone network, but you don't have to sign-up and you pay nothing for access. You can browse the web, subscribe to blogs, access wikipedia and it has a built in copy of the US OED. And the battery lasts for days with the 'phone connection turned on and weeks with it turned off.
;)
Oh and you can download and read books on it as well. (Quite a few classics on Amazon are free. As in beer.)
Bad analogies are like waxing a monkey with a rainbow.
Tablet - not yet for sale but hopefully will be some day. Cheap and portable device is their goal, but will not fit in you pocket.
http://search.techcrunch.com/query.php?s=TechCrunch+tablet
... and has never had problems to relate to women, I can only suggest that maybe it is not the holster's fault, neither the look of the wearer what is putting ladies off.
I do exercise regularly, can play piano at concert level standards, can run half marathons, can have passable conversations about arts, politics, literature and science, and can even have a go at fixing a Windows machine.
I posit the holster didn't get on may way to many pleasant , ahem, relationships, and here is the sting in the tail of this post: I am not even that good looking.
The openmoko gta02 phone, www.openmoko.com or www.openmoko.org is an open phone, which gives you freedom, for example using debian you can run firefox 3, and for voip asterisk, twinkle, linphone, ekiga, and speak freely, and others.
for network you can use 802.11 b/g, or connect over a usb cable, it is one of the very few phone in which the usb port can be used a a client, or a host. For voip it works well with g711u, or gsm if compresion is needed, for high compresion lpc10 works fine also, there is some echo on the calls when using voip.
Try the iPhone or iPod Touch (iPhone without the phone), both very good for what you need.
I have to second the iPod Touch. The browser is substantially more responsive and functional than that of the Nokia Internet Tablets, and the device is much smaller as well. For this application the only real downside is the lack of a physical keyboard.
I used maemo devices for a long time, and I like them well enough, but honestly the iPod is going to provide a much better user experience if all you want to do is use a web browser. The maemo devices can certainly do *more* things, but none of those things are going to be useful in this case.
Why not suggest to your manager that it would be useful to have a some computers out in the stacks?
I would have never thought I'd be happy with a Windows Mobile device, but the X1 is stylish, rock solid and syncs well with my Linux work stations.
NN
Look around and you can have it for about $200 new
-- Programming with boost is like building a house with lego. It's a cool but I wouldn't want to live in it
They'll build Bigger Boards, with Bigger Nails in them!
Let me fix this for you...
Apple Fan: I really like my iProduct! I bought it the first day it was released and I just new it would do everything I wanted even before I powered it up for the first time. Apple invented this and I've been waiting for something with this functionality for years. Leave it to Apple to finally make something like this. This is exactly what I need, Apple really knows me!
AntiFanbois: Pshaw. *MY* favorite product had those features two years ago! If you really needed this functionality, why did you wait for Apple to make one? I see no value in iProduct because this one is cheaper, more flexible, and has even more features if I choose to use them. I actually use the device, I don't just need something shiny!
Apple Fan: You're kindof a jerk. Your product is not slick. I don't need a replaceable battery, that is stupid. Like I said, Apple was the first one to make this. I've never heard of that thing you use so it must not work. Wait until Apple releases version x+1 of my product, even though I have no complaints of my version x and I think it is absolutely perfect and does everything I need, I will be the first person in line to get version x+1 when they release it.
AntiFanbois: See? Apple Fans can't take well-reasoned criticism of their beloved products! It's a cult! All they keep saying is that it is slick. What the hell does that even mean? They claim the Apple product is the best but yet can't even name a similar product from another company. What is your BEST statement even based on? You never even looked at anything else.
Apple Fan: I'm not sure we can be friends.
AntiFanbois: See? They isolate you socially! Totally a cult!
"I'm a library worker, so I get lots of questions about our collection when I'm out in the stacks. I'd love to be able to access our online catalog and give patrons more comprehensive guidance without directing them to the reference desk."
Okay, but how does your supervisor feel about that idea?
A reference librarian's entire job is to help patrons find relevant information, and they had to earn a graduate degree in the field in order to get that job. A "library worker", who has been tasked with re-shelving books in the stacks, is not a capable substitute. Even if he/she has a wifi-enabled PDA.
I've worked as a page myself, I know that patrons will always approach the first member of the library staff they spot. But when somebody has a reference question, the only appropriate response is to direct them to a reference librarian for assistance
I'm surprised I pretty much hit the bottom of the page before I saw the iPod Touch mentioned. While a lot of people here just don't like anything Apple, it does seem to be a good choice for what this librarian wants. Heck, there might be some good free apps she could download and use too for the library?
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
...and nobody's thinking of the children!!! :O
Plenty of people are talking about the Nokia Internet Tablet series, but I actually have one for sale right now. It's a great device, but not quite what I was looking for. I now own an Acer Aspire One.
I Do C++
Openmoko Freerunner, ~250
The Palm T|X is among the most flexible, portable, Wi-Fi enabled devices out there, and should fit your needs really well. If you can find one, of course. {ProfJonathan}
Shhhhh! He works in a LIBRARY, you insensitive clod!
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
I recently purchased a N810 for $220 brand new but think that was limited time sale at buy.com .
I think the Ipod Touch would be horrible for this person's needs: no slide out keyboard, I assume like the Iphone there is a set limit to the number of browser windows opened, what about replacing the battery, and the Ipod Touch would probably be higher up on a thief's list.
Also, I noticed in many of the above comments the librarian was referred to a "she" or woman. Was that mentioned in the posting? :) I worked in a public library in college and employees of the reference department was 50/50 in terms of gender.
If all you want is wifi, the iTouch is probably a good option. no fees or strings attached and while you are rummaging around in STACKS, you can listen to music too.
My Nokia N800's on-screen keyboard constantly disappoints me. I may trade to the N810 just for a decent way to do quick text entry. (For document editing with my N800 I use an Apple Wireless Keyboard.)
Wasn't there a new netbook based on an ARM coming out that was supposed to have a detachable LCD panel that could act as a full tablet for c. $300? It was announced the other week, but I've forgotten the name.
There was also that independent hardware project, also based around an ARM of some type, that was mentioned here a few weeks ago. That one had only gotten to a beta stage IIRC with no immediate plans for production other than they would like to, and was expected to be $300-400 in production IIRC.
Another alternative could possibly be something like the Open Pandora? Another ARM/linux based device, yet small and has a keyboard, c. $450?
Only other things that aren't cellphones would be one of the new iPod Touchs, c. $200-300? Or maybe an Ultramobile PC (UMPC), but those are kind of expensive IIRC.
Flat out tablet PCs don't seem to have very good pricepoints to me from when I did a q&d check the other week.
Currently in pocket browsing, it doesn't get any better than this:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A1325264
You forgot to throw some homophobic line in there for the AntiFanbois--because when you disagree, call somebody gay.
Of course it's not. But that doesn't stop an outpouring of anger whenever someone even suggests that there is some small area in which Apple products can be improved.
I've seen people flamed here because they thought the iPod Touch is too expensive.
I'm sorry, pal, but your efforts to turn Apple Fanbois into victims just isn't going to fly.
You are welcome on my lawn.
Do you know what homosexuals call Apple Fanbois?
Gay, but not in a good way.
You are welcome on my lawn.
http://www.google.com/products?q=zaurus&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&show=li&lnk=showgrid
Any mobile phone really...
BB Bold for one...
Since your not using the cellunar netwrk, dont put a SIM card into it.
By default everything should connect via wifi, once you've set the wifi up to connect to the libraries wifi network.
Then the browsing will work. its got a full keyboard buit fits in your pocket...
Outright purchase costs are approx $400 US.
Slashdotters tend to be critical of all products. The fact that you think you're being singled out for your love of all things Apple wreaks of fanboyism.
with wifi enabled, and a ton of different applications you can download for free, it's the win