maybe not frugal, but definately energy efficient...

[melnjones]

http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/itpd/notebooks/ux_series/

I want one. It would be $3,000 after buying the necessary accessories though, which sucks. In a few years I hope to be on the mission field and will need a computer with me, but the smallest and the most energy-efficient one possible is important. I'm thinking this might be it. Add a portable keyboard and separate dvd-r and this thing is perfect. The portability would make it cheaper to travel with and easier to hide, possibly even helping prevent theft. AND, I bet it would take almost nothing to run it on solar power. I could even carry the necessary solar gear with me.

[melnjones]

1. nope... changed my mind.

This makes a lot more sense.
http://www.shopaveratec.com/product.asp?sku=2774890§ion_id=22#MyGearSection

[politicat]

2. They have the avertecs at costco. Nice machines if you must Windows.

If I were going into missionary work, I'd take a recent iBook (or a Macbook) since that line is ruggedized for student use. (And I do mean ruggedized. They are hard to break.) They'll trickle charge with a solar panel, too.

I just can't imagine being 2 blocks from the middle of nowhere and trying to get Windows support when the damn thing crashes and burns.

[melnjones]

3. Can you

trickle-charge an avertec with a solar panel?

[melnjones]

4. Anyone tried a Toshiba Libretto?

Yes, I know the 7 inch screen is ridiculous...but...