You can't help but notice that smart phones seem to have taken over the world.  I decided when I wanted to upgrade my account at Verizon that I would go with an HTC Trophy -- until I noticed I would have to buy a "data plan" to use the phone.  $30 per month!!??  For the cheapest plan?  This caused me to start talking to folks who have tablets and smart phones.  At some point, folks seem to have tipped over on their need for data charges.  $360 per year to I can read e-mail on a smart phone or post to twitter or whatever?  Forget it.

So let's get to the Netbook title.  (I use my laptop as my portable device, but you can substitute netbook.)  Do you really use dial-up 3G/4G when there is Wi-Fi available?  I don't.  I was planing on using an HTC Trophy primarily when I was around a Starbucks or un-secured Wi-Fi hotspot.  I receive high priority e-mails, but they are not of the nature that I have to be informed instantly.  If something really hot comes up, folks know they can reach me on my cell.  Otherwise, they'll have to wait until I can sit down and open up my clam shell laptop.  After looking at the prices of the phone and data services, I decided I might actually purchase a dinosaur Netbook for $250 instead of a $400 smart phone where I need a magnifying glass to read the text..  After all, it's just e-mail.  And I don't want or get my primary entertainment from my PC.  (Well, that is not exactly true.  I have really adopted Kindle for PC.  I love being able to read my books whenever I have a minute.)

Now a $200 Kindle Fire?  I might consider that.  And my wife wants one.  For me, the advantage is I pay one fee for the Kindle and the rest of my money goes for my Uverse connection and books.  The cash flow involved with the Kindle Fire is much more to my liking.  However, I'll wait until the devices ship and we can read some real life reviews.