netbook or tablet

I see a tablet more like an "at home / office" device - not designed for continuous travel in harsh conditions (heat, cold, dust, shocks, pressure, abuse). The exposed screen wouldn't survive long in my world.

I go for middle of the road, easily available, not too shiny laptops preferably made for business use. Since warranty is pretty much useless abroad, stuff simply got to work.

Choose your laptop, netbook with theft, loss or failure in mind. Don't forget the AC adapter and the battery, these are equally important. Many people travel the globe with a laptop / netbook, without a problem. Though once you depend on having it, the experience of loosing it makes it a whole different experience.

Anyhow - your thief browsing through your stuff is the next thing to worry about. Keep it Simple and don't store personal details on your travel gear without a good level of encryption. A netbook, laptop is more versatile, to encrypt your stuff with free available tools .

Cheers!

Hi.... And a very warm welcome to Thorn Tree.

netbook or tablet

For me - neither.
I still manage the 'Old fashioned way'.
I've travelled with laptops etc., - and they just don't seem worth it to me.
When away with work - the laptop goes with me.
However, while on holiday - be it a week, or a few months.... Never.
No problem without either.... So far ! !

Tablet.
For internet, mail and such it does a great job.
Battery life is usually better.
Use on the go is more practical.

Only thing you will have to check is on how you upload your pictures, as most tablets don't have full USB ports.
Check if you need adapter, have in build card slot or USB.

I'm thinking using a Viewsonic Touchpad 10pro I just got instead of my laptop. It has one USB port so I can plug in a mouse or keypad if I get too tired of using the touchpad. It only has 30gb but I have a 1 terrabyte external HD so that will be plenty.

Its just alot smaller than my 15.6" laptop.

I could always buy a smaller like 12" laptop but since I already have the tablet I think I'm going with that.

I've taken a small 10" netbook with me on travels, and find it very easy to slip into a daypack, which I also use as a carry-on for flights. That said, I now have an iPad that meets all my needs when travelling. It's great for emails and light web surfing, you can use it to download photos through a small attachment, and back up your data through iCloud. The charger is very small, and can also be used to recharge an iPhone. Since it doesn't have a conventional keyboard, it is less prone to damage from liquid spills, and with a good protective case (there are many on the market) you shouldn't have to worry about damaging the glass surface.