VictoriaF wrote:
I'd like to have a single device for all my needs. The smartphone screen is probably too small for looking at the maps.
Map apps are actually much easier to read than looking at print maps, because you can zoom. I need reading glasses to read a print map but not for smartphone apps. They also contain lots more info....points of interest, hotels, restaurants, etc....with links to reviews....and even photos and videos of sites. If you only have wifi there are apps that allow you to download the maps you need via wifi and then use them offline (like walking around Bratislava).
VictoriaF wrote: A tablet would require a separate keyboard, because I usually take a lot of notes. And so you are probably right, a light laptop could be the answer. Do light laptops come with full-size keyboards?
It depends on the ultrabook ("light laptop"). The keyboard on my Lenovo is quite good...not quite as good as an external keyboard but almost. And at home you would not need another computer...I use my ultrabook at home with an external keyboard, mouse and monitor as my home computer. Plus you can use it to watch movies/TV on your monitor or TV set, obviating the need for cable or a DVD player.You can find great deals at the Lenovo outlet store:
http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/co ... als/Outlet
VictoriaF wrote:My pocket capacity will be limited. I probably could have a smartphone handy, but a tablet or a laptop would have to be inside the pack.
They serve different (though overlapping) functions. I would recommend at least 2 devices....ultrabook for your backpack and smartphone or TINY tablet (eg iTouch or many others on the market)...quite cheap now) for your pocket. Portability is the key. You could read on your iTouch or smartphone...I used to read novels on mine before I got a Kindle....takes a little getting used to but not bad at all really. Still, with all the reading you do, I would recommend an e-reader as well with e-ink technology so that you can read in bright daylight without glare. You mentioned note-taking...you can also annotate e-books. I like the Kindle Touch because it is one of the few that fits in my pocket...big deal for me since I read much more if I don't have to carry it around in my hand and worry about losing it. Maybe less of an issue for women who more often carry handbags anyway. Not much difference between Kindle and Nook, but when I bought mine I chose the Kindle over Nook because there was an issue with downloading books abroad from Barnes and Noble, I don't know if that is still an issue, but if it is it would be a consideration for you as well.
VictoriaF wrote:What does it mean a "tablet mode"? I thought that laptops provided a superset of functions in comparison to tablets.
There are ultrabooks nowadays that have the ability to convert into tablets, either with removable screens containing all the computer hardware, or by flipping or twisting into a tablet configuration. I have yet to use mine in tablet configuration I think tablets are a bit silly and superfluous- not much lighter or cheaper than ultrabooks with limited functionality, exposed fragile screens, no keyboard, and another device to worry about- but others would disagree.
VictoriaF wrote:The funny part is that I am now carrying 30 lbs of books to get ready for backpacking. And so I am following Taleb's advice my own way {smile}.
I loathe the idea of a single corporation like Amazon having so much control over flow of information (seriously). Still, a pocket-sized e-reader will give you the capacity of a middle-size university library, and weigh a few ounces. But it might make you less anti-fragile.
By the way, have they judged the New York Mills thing yet?