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?

Comments

Nokia n810

[murph]

No recurring fees, I just picked one up for $222.

Re:Nokia n810

[Kamokazi]

Seconded. Very nice device, and has a physical keyboard, unlike the other one likely to get mentioned a lot.

Re:Nokia n810

[bluephone]

Except the N810 is smaller than the N800, has 2GB of storage built in, and the kb slides out like many cell phones for text message addicts. It's an incredible package.

Re:Nokia n810

[kabloom]

A librarian is probably querying a lot, not just pulling up information from predefined bookmarks. I'm sure a keyboard will be greatly appreciated.

Re:Nokia n810

[PopeRatzo]

or in a belt holster.

That's a good look.

Nothing says "sex appeal" like a portable WiFi browsing device in a belt holster.

But there's no law that says everyone has to get laid, so go ahead. Be bold.

Re:Nokia n810

[despisethesun]

The N800 also has the advantage of taking regular SDHC cards, rather than the miniSD used in the N810. The full size ones are cheaper, and the N800 can hold 2 of them. And they can be set up as part of the root file system, if you're technically inclined. Plus miniSD cards can be a pain to find in decent capacities, they're kind of the red-headed stepchild of the SD family.

The on screen keyboard on the N800 is not bad either. Obviously not as good as a physical kb but more than adequate. It's tough to go wrong either way, though, as they're both excellent devices. Definitely the best handhelds available for their purpose.

(Typed out on my N800. :)

Re:Nokia n810

[Anonymous Coward]

Is that the internet in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

Re:Nokia n810

[maxume]

The miniSD thing isn't that big a thing:

4GB for $8:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211343

16GB for $42 (which is only about $12 out of line with regular size SDHC)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134912

Re:Nokia n810

[FlyingBishop]

I would jump any woman wearing a WiFi browsing device in a belt holster in a second.

Oh, I see what you mean. Nevermind.

Re:Nokia n810

[Gandalf_Greyhame]

Bonus 2: Can easily carry multiple micro-SD cards on you - normal SD cards are too bulky.

What the hell do you mean, SD cards are too bulky? I mean, FUCK! I know that the micro-SD cards are smaller, but even the normal SD cards aren't exactly massive.

What else don't you carry because they are too bulky? Wallet? Car keys?

Seriously, grow some balls mate!

Re:Nokia n810

[Anonymous Coward]

Dude... this is a librarian we're talking about.

All this means is she has to take off the belt holster before removing her glasses as the backlighting glistens playfully off her hair while she shakes it out in slow motion and two, maybe three blouse buttons come mysteriously undone revealing ample cleavage before the protagonist realizes that it wasn't actually the popular girl (whom, by the way the librarian had hatched a wacky plot to get the protagonist a date with, which turned out allright but in the end unsatisfying) he was in love with, but the librarian he was best friends with since they were six who everyone only THOUGHT was ugly because... umm... she wore glasses and kept her hair up in a bun. Bonus points if the chorus to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is playing, but it would probably be something corny like this song.

Sheez. Haven't you ever seen a movie?

Re:Nokia n810

[Warll]

"Seriously, grow some balls mate!"
They are also too bulky!

Re:Nokia n810

[vrmlguy]

Put them in a pouch or tin. Keeps all the cruft out too (if the tin had sweets in, wash it first!).

Now you tell me! I was keeping my microSD cards in an Altoids tin. Then one day I reached for a mint and swallowed 8gb instead.

iPod Touch

[erayd]

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.

Re:iPod Touch

[jmorris42]

> I still don't get why anyone would design a media browser that doesn't play flash.

Because Flash has enough functionality that, if it were the only way, people could write whole apps with it. And since the iPhone is a totally locked platform it had to go to close off that possibility. Because people would have done it, Apple was correct in their assessment of the risk to the App Store's monopoly. With Apple products you have to realize control is more important than being useful. It just has to look pretty, the Reality Distortion Field will sell the product regardless how many features are missing or how expensive it is.

Yay Wikipedia

[Anonymous Coward]

Just found this on wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handhelds_with_WiFi_connectivity

MIssing Info from Question

[mcspoo]

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.

Archos 5 is my current favorite

[russg]

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.

Re:Low Cost?

[quickOnTheUptake]

I'm trying to figure out how someone manages to misspell "qwerty"?

Actually, it's not the criticism of Apple Products

[weston]

... 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!

Re:Low Cost?

[Anonymous Coward]

He probably uses a querty keyboard, you insensitive clod.