iPad or Netbook when travelling?

[MadFruit]

I'm off travelling around the world in a few months and I want a little machine so that I can keep in touch with people back home and so I can keep a copy of all my travel documentation without having masses of paper.

At first I was going to get a decent netbook but have been thinking more now about an iPad. I hate boot times.

I've had a play with friends netbooks and iPads and I have to say the experience is all with the iPad - which I guess is predictable. But what I really want to know is how it will stand up to being stuck in a backpack for most of its life (being bashed around by baggage handlers and myself). I'm figuring the netbook will be more robust being that when closed it'll be smaller and protect the screen.

I need it to cope with photo transfer (which means I need to get a USB adaptor for the pad) and uploading, emailing and being able edit word (or similar) documents. Which I'm guessing both can do standing on their heads?

What are your opinions? Any reason one or other should be ruled out? Any netbook suggestions? Any app suggestions?

 

[MadFruit]

To me, it seems as though you've already made up your mind and want the iPad but want people to advise you on getting a netbook.

You have me there... heheh. My heart (and gadget side) says iPad, but I'm thinking the reason I haven't just got one is because I know a netbook is the sensible choice. And I can't disagree with anyone here it seems to make sense.

The theft thing was certainly one of my concerns too.

But I still think the iPad has its technical attractions over the netbook. Instant on (I don't believe any OS on even a SSD HD can compete), no faffing setting up, installing, updating etc, bigger screen. And to be honest, less computery - something I'm keen to get away.

Hmmm, I'm still in the undecided zone