If it is going to be your main pc or only pc I would not go with a tablet or netbook I would go with a laptop, you can go with a smaller size one to help with the weight issue.

I have all of the above, netbook, tablet, laptop and desktops, I would hate to have to have only the netbook or the tablet. Yes they are nice to have and to use for travel but not for my everyday use.

I would suggest either borrowing a netbook from someone or go to the stores and actually try them out, same with tablets. The tablets are just too small and not yet ready for full time use and the on screen keyboards are not easy to use.
Plus the processors built into the netbooks and tablets are no where near as powerful and capable as those in a regular laptop. Battery power will be much better on a laptop as well.

If you were just determined to go with one of the 2 then I would say netbook it is just more suited for use with a real keyboard and a better battery life.
I have the AcerAspire one netbook which I have enjoyed using as an extra addition to my collection.

for examples of a smaller size laptop that would have all the stuff you need and be a very good option as your main pc look at something like this
HP - Laptop

Lenovo - IdeaPad Laptop

Acer - Aspire Laptop
this is an Acer with a 14" display

there are also options that have the flip screens where the monitor part has a swivel so you can flip it and fold it so that it looks just like a tablet which is handy for using to read you can hold it just like a tablet that way. But you still have the full function of a laptop.

I am not a big Dell fan but they do have a flip version
The New Convertible

Tablet personal computer

you can use google to find more of the tablet PC options

I found a few of the convertible tablet pc's on amazon

Gigabyte T1005P-CF4 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet Laptop

Gigabyte T1125N-CF2 11.6-Inch Convertible Notebook

Convertible Tablet - Black

HP TouchSmart

World�s Lightest 12.1" Convertible

Sounds like either a 14" or 15" laptop would suit you. As for keyboards, some are full-size, some not (compacted by 10 per cent or so). Just be aware of that trade-off. Even though you don't want power, try to get something with at least a dual core processor. This will all be around $500, plus or minus.

Also, if you enjoy using it on your lap, I would suggest getting a lap table..putting it on your lap without it being on a hard surface, will block the fan vents and it will start to overheat causing it to shut down..Never use a laptop on a soft surface...I know, laptop is really a misnomer...

I have a 14" display HP laptop that I bought to replace an older 15.6" laptop. The difference in weight is noticeable. I really, truly like it and would not go back to a larger one again. So much better for traveling. It does have an optical drive, but that can be removed and a "blank" inserted to make it even lighter in weight. Mine is one of the dv2000 series with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. It has all you seem to want. So something similar to that would be ideal IMHO.

I bought a bargain Dell 15" laptop with Win 7, 64 bit and it is so much lighter than the 17". I found it at Walmark for $399.00. Has a full size keyboard and does everything I wanted it to do.

I also have a 10" HP netbook, which I love as I can stick it in my pocketbook and is soooo portable. The screen is small so I use the 15" for anything which requires long reading or viewing.

Jane

Thank you! Thank you!

I'm leaning toward the 14" Acer. At least I now have enough information to go to a store and not be completely bewildered.

Although I have little idea of what it all means, this is what I have:

Compaq 15.4" WXGA, Intel Celeron M Processor 410 (1.46CHz, 1 MB L2 cache, 533MHz FSB. 60GB hard drive, 802.1 11b/g wireless LAN

Works fine, but is heavy. Maybe I should try to get the broken hinges fixed and leave it home when I travel with something lighter.

The cost of repairing the hinges is likely to be prohibitively expensive.

Depending on your budget, you might consider a MacBook.

I would not go with a celeron processor if you are getting a laptop there are much much better processors available. I prefer AMD processors but Intel also has good options, celeron is just the bottom of the barrel.

That 14" acer has a dual core AMD processor that would be a good option for your type of usage. It sounds like a good choice all around and has good reviews. I own 2 Acer's and have had no problems with them. One of them I bought at Best Buy, I do not use their geek squad so would not suggest getting any of their add on protection.
You could google that notebook number and may find it at a better price somewhere else however that is a pretty good price.

The new September issue of Consumer Reports among other devices rates tablets. You might want to take a look.

DA

I would like to buy a new desktop dell .one that does the basic stuff.Please advise me in simple language

goldy- Any desktop you buy from Dell will do the "basic stuff." For your situation, all you probably need to think about is how big a screen you want, and the amount of RAM (I'd recommend about 4GB for you). More money will buy a bigger, faster hard drive (which you probably don't need), a faster graphics card (if you play high speed video games!), and a better sound card (if you have the ears of a 20 year old and are incredibly demanding of the sound quality). Any computer will surf the Internet about as fast as any other. If you have some needs that I haven't addressed, tell us. Otherwise, shop on the basis of price, and don't worry.