[dangerdoc]

System Admin needs to try a Netbook. My wife’s gets 10+ hours between charging.

If you are concerned about them screwing up the settings, set them up with an account with restricted access. Windows 7 can be locked down by IS if desired.

The netbook has less cool factor and is much less likely to walk off.

[Dr. Sivana]

System Admin needs to try a Netbook. My wife’s gets 10+ hours between charging.

Your wife probably doesn't have a $300 netbook, but a $450 netbook. (I don't think the 3 cell versions get 10 hours)

IS could lock down Windows 7, but the whole point is to try to aoid having an IS.

THe size and portrait orientation of the iPad gives it a useability that the old folks that tends to be on these committees tend to appreciate.

I like netbooks and cheap laptops just fine. I find the Kindle/eReader/Nook devices to be too small, and the Kindle especially a kludge.