Need mini sized travel computer for Internet

[markc]

Looking for a very small computer to use for travel logs and reports. Must use win XP for some software (digi pic, web browser, web page creator, word processor, email), have a HD (to store pics using a USB storage device as back up) 1/2 gig ram. Must have a USB port to upload pics (and the aforementioned USB storage) from digi camera and wifi/wlan for internet cafe use. Must be small and compact and take a lot of abuse. Cheap would be nice too :)

Thinking of using my wife’s Gateway lap top which was about $500 last fall (similar specs as above but with a 15.4" screen) but am afraid it may be too large and too fragile.

Any ideas? Any such device exist that would be half the size of a full size laptop?

[jcnoernberg]

I remember Sony Vaio had a laptop model that was about half the size of a traditional laptop... it won't be $500 though! Maybe you can look into tablet PCs. They usually have reinforced hard shelled screens that you can write directly on with a stylus. They also don't have the flip up LCD screens, so it saves space. I couldn't tell you how much they cost, but I'm sure an older model can be had for a low price. The specs. you listed will be satisfied by just about any computer out there.

[PaddyOFurniture]

The Nokia 770 (http://www.nokiausa.com/770) for mobile use. Seems that everyone that haves one is head over heels for it!

I think the only downside is the lack of a keyboard. There's a on-screen keyboard that you punch with a stylus. So, if typing docs on the road is your thing - than this may not be the way to go.

I'm hoping that there is a 770 compatible external "pda style" fold up keyboard out there? That would get my credit card out of my wallet for the 770 today, although for $350 I think I have to have one regardless ;)

Here's one 770 review (http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=2760), but you can search around for more. All are beyond positive that I have seen.

Good luck!

Cheers,

-Adam