I would definitely consider the new ultra books in particular the Asus ultra book that is both a tablet and laptop in one it won't be cheap but for travel the size and weight will be important, I think you should go with 8,it will hard to find new with out it. I would definitely not get 17" for travel. I think anything in the newer released laptops will cover your needs. The ultra book convertible is the best of both worlds, I think being able to use it in tablet mode will come in very handy. I personally own the Asus tf300 transformer tablet which I love but you want something bigger it sound like and your gaming needs would probably dictate a laptop. I don't mind a refurbished as long as it is factory refurbished with some warranty.

They are Flash Games on their web sites. They open up fine on my desktop XP but not on my Vista laptop. When I got the laptop from Dell everything was preset with small fonts so I went in to change to my liking but I can't get the mail at Yahoo [the rest of the Yahoo home page is ok] and all games don't get large. I'm sure it's a simple setting but can't seem to find it. I've changed DPI to large and fonts in the appearance section and view all to large but it's still the same. Too small and unreadable. I'm using IE 8. Thanks

I've had an HP mini for about 2 years and it is a good little computer to slip in my briefcase for a trip or to have handy in the living room without taking up much space (it goes under the couch when not in use). I have other computers that I use for regular word processing or activities that require more power, like photo editing, but for an extra computer it's proved very handy. One caution I have is to look at the keyboard layout of any netbook you are considering. I bought a 10" Dell when they first came out and only realized after I bought it that they moved several of the punctuation keys around to make the keyboard more compact: this makes for a lot more mistakes in typing. Also, some keyboards on a netbook may be just a little too tight for comfortable speed typing, so try it out first if you can. I have not had any concerns with the HP mini as it has a normal layout and is comfortably sized.

My children are growing quickly. I have a small laundry/mud room sitting between the kitchen and back door. I do wish it was bigger, but even more I wish I had a home office. It's not just the computers ( and we have 3 now, not counting laptops). There are also 2 printers, and 2 photo printers and scanners. I can't even count all the electronics we have now, DH LOVES them, and I love him. Don't forget docking stations to sync your iPhone and iPod, and photo card scanners........ Now that the kids are older, it would be great to have a special place for them to do homework, besides the kitchen table or hidden away in their rooms (or basement). Keeping the computers in a central open place is part of child internet safety. If helps parents stay vigilant. Unless you plan on selling our home very soon, I wouldn't worry about resell issues. But if you [plan on staying there a long time, think about what you may need in the not so distant future too. Your kids will be doing homework on the computer by 2nd grade. And with 3 kids I can already fill a lot of bookcases. An office space would be heaven. But I'b have to sell and move first. How about a mudroom in your finished basement instead?