I've searched and read about the various options, but I'm still a little confused.

What I want is to leave my heavy and cumbersome laptop at home when I'm traveling or doing work on-the-go.

I absolutely need:
- internet access (WiFi required, connectable would be nice as well) and browser
- skype
- e-mail
- word processing of any kind- even a notepad style package would be ok
- small portable keyboard I can plug in (not Bluetooth), so I need a port
- small and lightweight!!!

I would like (but absolutely NOT necessary):
- movie viewing capabilities
- software installation possible


Ideally, I'd like to spend under $500, and I'm willing to add a portable hard drive.

Any great suggestions?

Thanks,
GG

Under $500, huh?

How about 12.7 ounces for $857? HTC 7501

Other than that - Compaq has a lot of 14" (~2 kg.) laptops - some under $400.

I was in a similar situation recently and ended up going with an internet tablet--the Nokia N800, specifically.

Yes, it's Linux-based, so you would need to consider whether you're ready to deal with that when it's called for. However, it's very compact and meets all of the functional requirements you mentioned except for a wired keyboard (it supports bluetooth).

The N800's o/s has improved significantly since its initial release; its GUI offers straightforward access to the browser, Skype client, IM client, & other tools. Its wifi functionality is strong, as is the ability to tether to Bluetooth-capable phones. The street price ($350) is far friendlier to the pricepoint you cited. (What's more, it's not an Apple product! )

Certainly worth considering.

I'll take a look at Compaq- the one thing I definitely don't want or need is another phone. I love the phone I have and just don't want to pay for functionality I won't need.

I've been looking at the N800- mixed reviews on that one, but my biggest concern is the keyboard. Can I use Bluetooth on a plane?

GG

The neat thing about the current sub-laptops is that you can use them for surfing/email anywhere there's cell coverage (not just WiFi availability). The fact that they're phones is almost incidental. And they get spectacular battery life.

Bluetooth aloft? Depends on the airline. AFAIK, there is no FAA prohibition during cruise mode.

Can you? Yes.

Are you allowed? No, AFAIK any and all wireless devices have to be in flight mode so the wireless portion is disabled.

Several options in this price range:

The Nokia N800
An old(er) Samsung Q1

Check out the completed listings for the Samsung:

http://computers.search-completed.eb...refinesearchZ1

I am not sure how to put it, but...

It's not going to happen. :-(

Lighter and mobile laptops come at a premium. In fact, I know this because I do know of one product that I currently own that fits your requirement down to the last character (except for the <$500 price range).

I bought a Sony VAIO TX 650 laptop in Jan 2006 and ever since then I have had no troubles whatsoever mechanically with it. Yes, it's a bit pricey in the $2000 to $3000 range, but in my opinion something that expensive from a reputable electronics manufacturer is worth my hard-earned money for.

I have used my laptop on many flights in the past several months and I can tell you that no matter how small the seat pitch (US Airways and Continenal come to mind) was, I could use it with ease, even if the passenger in front of me is reclined all the way. I happen to be very overweight at 5ft8in and 295lbs, but the laptop can fit on any tray table perfectly and I still have room to type without effort. It has a battery that has a life of about 6 hours at full charge. In addition, the current models have Sprint EVDO modems on-board (however in my case, they featured Cingular EDGE modems) so speed on mobile networks so access speed is almost never an issue.

In regards to using Bluetooth on the plane, legally it's prohibited right alongside cell phones and wifi, but IMHO it should not interfere with the plane's navigation aids since the effective range of Bluetooth devices are less than 10m from the device.

My solution is a Sony Picturebook C1. Nothing since has gotten the balance between form factor and usability that good. Not the fastest, but powerful enough to run Skype, and MS Office. Haven't tried DIVX on it yet but I'll do that. It can play DVDs but only if the Sony DVD reader is hooked up to AC power.

Honestly though, if you can be patient, exactly what you want is coming from Asus. It's called the Eee and will be under $500. Supposedly was going to be out mid-september. Apparently not.

http://event.asus.com/eeepc/

Okay, I just searched the Asus Eee and that is EXACTLY what I want. Any idea when/where it will be available? It's perfect!

If I had to guess, I'd say early December in time for the holiday rush. It was supposed to be out, well, NOW. Asus hasn't exactly been forthcoming with information, sadly.

Even though it hasn't shipped it, the Eee already has a user site

"We are a community of individuals interested in the upcoming Asus Eee PC line of inexpensive small notebook computers. We have no official connection with ASUS, and therefore are a completely unofficial website."

It's just a fan site, basically.

Wikipedia article on Asus eee