Replies like yours are why I specifically excluded those. My prefered method of travel is a backpack. Minimum stuff/weight. Both the ipad and netbook are bigger and heavier than I want to add. With open wifi now far more common, even in hostel I just want the convienence of avoiding net cafes and being able to read a few books.

Just for reference an inch thick paperback is 6.5 oz, the kindle is 8.5 oz and uses a mini USB charger, same as my phone. The ipod touch is 4.5 oz but requires a different charger. ipad is about 1.5 lbs and netbooks start at around 2 lbs.