gadget recommendations?

[gusl]

I'm considering buying the iPod Video 30GB... But I might as well buy a mini-laptop, since I'll probably want to replace my computers soon (laptop is 3.5yrs old, Desktop probably older) and don't want to deal with the trouble of transporting a Desktop computer around.

Any suggestions for mini-laptops, or similar gadgets? I'd like a portable which:

* I can run Linux (as long as I can get someone to help make Linux more usable for multimedia-type things)
* costs less then USD 500
* powerwise, lasts as much as a PDA (i.e. possibly weeks), perhaps by using flash memory. (the reason PCs constantly need power is because of RAM, right? Doesn't flash memory overcome that?)
* can connect to the Internet in WiFi hotspots

One advantage of such a system is that I can download German-English dictionaries for free, e.g. by using my own automatic dictionary builder as well as other useful data for getting around the city (maps, emails I've received recently)

Comments

[ashliana.livejournal.com]

the costing less than $500 USD is pretty difficult if you want something small and light....

this is what I have. when I got it it was $1000, but this site is selling it for $888. it has a 64-bit processor, which is great if you're going to run linux, because you can take advantage of the double processing ability. its screen is great, and it's very well designed.

http://store.yahoo.com/saveateaglestore/avavavno1tu6.html?ovchn=OTHER&ovcpn=Froogle&ovcrn=AV4155-EH1-R&ovtac=CMP

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

Not bad. But the short-lasting battery is a pain in the ass, though. This is the disadvantage of laptops... which I why I mentioned flash memory.

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

Not bad. But the short-lasting battery is a pain in the ass, though. This is the disadvantage of laptops... which I why I mentioned flash memory.