I'd like to point out through the Android operating system, you may text via voice. ;) And having googles apps/services such as google maps with GPS and email services it makes for a handy toolset.
They say 2010 is the year of the tablet, with Apple charging $499 US for their cheapest (worst) model. Googles own Android phone Nexus one for $800-900ish NZ.
Tablets are generally very expensive, you can spend large funds on a pretty low grade pc without 3G capabilities. I just googled and found them from $500-5000 US.
The Archos 9 tablet device was going to be its rival, but every aspect of this device is far from comparable. Selling for $550 US.
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The device I am extremely excited about is the "Freescale Smartbook Tablet".
Specs:
- ARM Cortex-A8 1GHz
- OpenVG & OpenGL/ES graphics cores
- HD video decoder hardware
· Memory: 512 MB DDR2
· Display: 7-inch (1024 x 600) touch screen
· Storage: 4-64 GB internal storage; removable micro SD
· Connectivity: 3G modem (option) 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, RF4CE (option)
· Ports: USB 2.0 and USB mini (also for charging), audio in/audio out, SIM card
· Audio: speaker, microphone
· Camera: 3 Mpixel (video recording up to VGA @ 30fps)
· Battery: 1900mAh, USB charging
· Sensors: the MMA8450Q 3-axis accelerometer and an ambient light sensor
· Power management IC
Even for a tablet or even more so a smart phone these are extreme. The battery rumored to last around 10 hours, quoted all day from the manufacturers. 1900mAh is a massive amount.
Lets have a look at this baby: ;D-<


The price is a nice: $199-249 US, $283.10 NZ!!! depending on configuration *Faints* Even if NZ does not get or price increase in NZ, there are ways to import via a middle man service. :)
Sources:
http://www.slashgear.com/freescale-smartbook-tablet-reference-revealed-200-all-day-3g-slate-0467477
http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2010/01/freescale-tablet.html