>Your description actually sounds more like a netbook than a reader with a browser and apps. If that is what you want, why not a netbook?
>
>You know what's funny? When the netbook came out, I thought they were junk. But after seeing the iPad, I have wondered in the back of my head if I was dead wrong. I may give the netbook another look....thanks :)

The netbook per se is not a bad idea - the package is good enough for mild surfing or use as an MSTSC client (my main usage if it is employed). Developing on the server is very good if the screensize is large enough - speed of graphic display no problem. On the device development and testing is still possible to a degree with python and vfp (simple parsing of external data or something not involving the full heavy application/DB or WS testing) as turnaround is quick. BUT:

the 10'/Atom packages miss both HDMI and DVI for licensing reasons - stupid, as I link up to a larger screen in more than half of the times I use it. In most of those cases the internal keyboard is not used - a real KB is attatched, a spare in the car trunk and several are lying around.

In the "other" situations KB usage is minimal - here the "Pad" idea would work - small screen and no keyboard. In some situations a small KB might help (train writing, letters) but those devices are cheap enough if USB is enabled for these device classes. Sadly this is not the case for most phones, you are urged into BT area...

I will look at the Galaxy Pad from Samsung when it is released - probalbly will buy some 7' device next year if either HDMI or external KB is supported and will look for a device sporting both. The "workable screen coupled with CPU and minimal storage" package is great if it can be attached everywhere and data can be moved via wire AND USB stick/memory card - but this is not here yet.

regards

thomas