Ok, I'm thinking of getting one of these. I'm an Amazon gal - Prime for streaming, shipping & I have a 2nd gen Kindle. Not an Apple fan, especially of their pricing.

I like the idea of something like the new Fire HDs for when I'm traveling (or at home as well) & don't necessarily need access to everything on my laptop, and don't want the weight of the laptop. For example, I'm currently at a trade show in AMS & carrying around one of these on the show floor or through airports would be easier on my shoulders than taking my laptop (of which I also need a new one). Same w/ exec lounge.

But which of the 8.9s to get? I was thinking the one that's wifi only, as my travel is not as much as it used to be in the past & just accessing free wifi or wifi in the hotel room w/ code or airport or my home Uverse wifi would be fine. But if you all think the reasons for going w/ the 4G are there, I'm willing to consider that as well.

Note, when I buy something I have a tendency to keep it forever vs. buying the latest new thing every 6 months like some of you. So if it makes sense to get 4G straight out vs discovering a few months down the line that I wish I had it, I'd do that. I'm also thinking the 32GB model is probably all I'd need vs. 64 based on my usage, but again dependent upon what you all say.

Here's what I think I'd use it for: checking email, surfing the net (aka, FT, CNN, TMZ, etc, etc), watching Prime films/tv shows, Skype. Would also like to be able to do word docs & some other office type things (powerpoint, excel - is that possible?).

I'm not a huge fan of touchscreen, although presumably the keys would be easier than iphone keys. I have seen some iPad folk that somehow have attached an external keyboard (I type really fast), but Amazon's site just shows a power charger & stand/leather case.

I was chatting w/ some clients at the show today & they said I should wait for the Microsoft Surface which is set to come out later this year. They also said w/ the Surface I could get a docking station for home office, and not need to buy a laptop as the Surface would become my laptop (they're obviously Windows-oriented).

Does it make sense for any of these tablet devices to fully replace laptops, or are they capable of doing so - programs, apps, connectivity to printers, etc?

As long as we're talking electronics, I do need to replace my laptop (HP running Vista) unless somehow the tablets are the 2nd coming & I won't need one anymore. I use my laptop as my primary computer in home office/on the road. Does it make sense to get a W7 one or wait until W8?

I've got a Nokia E71. I like the keyboard, but have screen envy of the iPhone. The E71 works fine, but it seems the iPhone is easier to use (note, I hate the touchscreen keys of the iPhone even in landscape/sideways mode, as it takes 7 tries to type a single sentence - and I have slender fingers). And it seems like FTers seem to do things faster/have more apps, etc, on the iPhone. I know the Nokia 920 is coming out in a few months. Also, someone suggested I get a Samsung that has a keyboard that slides out.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers.