<p>FlMathMom - You are doing the right things asking around and researching. There are SO many combinations of setups. And there are no budget routes. Think about how much you will actually talk to your son at college vs email or skype… that maybe be a factor on whether you can still with pay-as-you-go cell. </p>
<p>I vote for giving your DH the old desktop computer. Then I was going to suggest you try a laptop (with external monitor, keyboard and mouse) at home… with Plan B to get a desktop for home later. But the downside is that you may end up with a laptop that is bulkier than you need for the road. The plus side is that you won’t need to remember what is stored on which computer. </p>
<p>Gmail accounts are nice. You can access from any computer (like say in a hotel or campground if public computers available). Same is true for my Comcast email, for newly arrived emails. Not sure on the others. </p>
<p>Mouse Note - I personally very much dislike the laptop onboard controls for pointing devices (my kids laugh at my clutziness). If I plan to spend much time on my work laptop, I hook up an external mouse.</p>
<p>Another thought… if your home internet provider also has cellphone plans, check them first. Bundled plans seem to be the best deal.</p>
<p>You can have your email accessible on more than one computer (ask my H how to- I’m best with the hardware installation, he helps me with the software). You can have all email accounts on both machines.</p>
<p>I have 2 machines. I still use a good quality but older square monitor for my new (since Dec) desktop. The laptop has a shiny screen (H said we should have gone with the business one from Dell and not the home one- perhaps, but I liked some of the other features…) and the angle matters. For the price you get a lot more computing power and features with a desktop. It would be easier to get a smaller laptop for convenience on the road having your practical dream machine for everyday use. I chose a larger screen because I was tired of the really small one and knew from past experience we usually used it in a hotel room. I watched Tech Bargains for deals on both.</p>
<p>Something to be aware of- Best Buy has some first generation Sandy Bridge chipset models when you can pay a similar price and get the better 2nd gen ones online. I also went with Dell instead of hp because of the desktop case- some trouble with the covers for ports on the hp H uses that is annoying (they stick when opening/closing).</p>
<p>Since you do a lot with your computer at home get a nice one for home and then consider a smaller, lighter one with less power et al for travel. The laptop can be ready to go and you won’t have to disrupt your desktop setup. You can get both for less than you would pay for one fancy laptop (especially if you get deals). The back to school deals should be now- a good time to buy.</p>
<p>It’s gotten very easy to access mail on different computers. In fact, for folks whose travel takes them places with a computer (hotel lobby, friends house) then a laptop is not needed for simple email and internet checks. Of course, a smartphone could serve same purpose. </p>
<p>The grief with multiple computers is only for people who maintain documents and spreadsheets. It is simple to email them back and forth, if you can keep track of which is the newest. </p>
<p>You can get more power for less money with a desktop. But I’m thinking most people (who are not gamers) could get along fine with the power of a laptop. I just bought an HP with 17" monitor for my Dad at Best Buy for $449. He has not has a computer for mannnnnny years, and he was hung up about the hardware stats. But really these days I think most choices are reasonable for the average user. It’s a matter of personal preference of features. (He will use the laptop mostly at home, so 17" made sense. If OP decides to buy 2 computers, a smaller laptop would make more sense).</p>
<p>For laptops being used for home and road, a Docking station and external monitor would be good. (Most folks use extrernal keyboard too. My odd mode of operation for my job is laptop using onboard keyboard, onboard monitor, and windows dual monitor feature with 2nd external monitor so I can have more screens open. ) </p>
<p>Docking stations - eliminates need to unplug/replug cables.
<a href=“http://www.shopping.hp.com/can/computer/categories/docking_solutions/1/accessories[/url]”>http://www.shopping.hp.com/can/computer/categories/docking_solutions/1/accessories</a></p>
<p>Finally got out of the house and went to Best Buy today with my son. First I tried out various smart phones. Very frustrating. Phones are too small espec the keyboard whether it slides out, was button type or on the screen. I’m sure I’d get better over time, but like a college that has bad vibes, they just weren’t for me.</p>
<p>Next we moved over to the tablet area. They had 4 or 5 different brands. We had a fabulous salesguy with infinite patience. He must have spent an hour with us. A tablet is definitely the right way to go for me. It is easy to use and has everything I want to use it for and way more. </p>
<p>Of all the tablets, he sold me on the iPad2 w/3G and I love it. I can’t wait to buy it. The 3G capability can be turned on for one week, two weeks, one month at a time which is perfect for when we travel. I can use it for texting, emailing and Skyping. I can even bring my To Do lists and schedules created on Word and Excel with me. </p>
<p>We’ll keep our pay-as-you-go phone and add texting if my DH wants it. He has no interest in a smartphone or learning about the iPad2. He sat in the front of the store and read his book. I was like a kid at Christmas. </p>
<p>My son still has to pick his smart phone. Depending on what he chooses, it may be advantageous to add a dumb phone to his plan for us to replace our PAYG. I told him he has to decide by next week so we have some time to learn these new gadgets before leaving for move-in (18 days). Best Buy will give us a break on the phone if we buy the iPad2 at the same time; otherwise, I would be on it right now!!! I can’t wait.</p>
<p>As for a new desktop, that will wait til November (when we have a break in our travels) or Christmas time (big sales).</p>
<p>Any thoughts on my decision. I haven’t purchased anything so I am still open to your thoughts.</p>
<p>FlMathMom - It sounds like you found an excellent “fit”! The IPad2 seems perfectd for your needs. I am glad the salesman allowed you ample time to test it. That makes all of the difference. </p>
<p>It’s wonderful that there is no long term contract involved. (The Verizon notepads we looked at for my dad required 2 year contracts, $60/month). You may even find that you don’t need wireless in some places where available free. With text and skype available, your PAYG phone may be enough. </p>
<p>The first phone in a plan is always most expensive. The 2nd one not as bad. But it’s not til the 3rd one that they get really reasonable. (Some extended families take advantage of that… for example, my mom is our 5th phone on Verizon, $10/month + tax… she only has it for emergencies and rarely even adds minutes). </p>
<p>Glad you found a good solution. It’s nice that you can build upon this with other equipment… or not, as your needs become clearer.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing!</p>