I have two (one iPad and one Android)...each is fine. I like them because they take up little space, can do most anything a laptop can do, and I use them to download a number of magazines and newspapers I subscribe to. And they can be used as an e-reader for books (like a Kindle, etc.). Once downloaded, these documents are on the device, and I don't need an Internet connection to read them. However, I would imagine that any hospital these days will have wi-fi available. The only disadvantage I see is that they are a little slower to type on because you are typing on the touch screen. However, if this is a big deal, then you can get a cheap, compact keyboard that pairs with the device wirelessly (I just bought one for $20). As far as apps, the choices are endless, and often free...I've yet to pay for one. Most tablets have an icon to tap to take you to the "store" where you type in the sort of thing you are looking for and then you choose and download it. Some of the apps I like are: a weather app; a flight app that gives the realtime schedule for any flight in the world; a wi-fi locater showing where free wi-fi is available anywhere in the world based on my location; a dictation app so I don't have to type; game apps (Mahjong and crossword puzzles); music app to play digital music files; calendar, shopping list, and reminder apps; video player so I can watch Netflix movies; and several recipe apps with 10's of thousands of recipes available (I just put the tablet in a little stand in the kitchen). That's about 10% of what I have installed. If you are going to get one, I suggest a 10" screen as it makes reading books and magazines, as well as surfing the web more enjoyable. You also have to decide whether you are going to get one that has only wi-fi, which means it can only access the Internet when you are in range of a wi-fi router, or whether you are going to get a more expensive one that can also access a data plan from a cell phone company. With the latter, you are not dependent on finding an available wi-fi connection to surf, but you are paying probably $100 more for the capability, and you will need to pay monthly for a data plan like you would with a smartphone. I don't have a data plan for my tablets. I mainly use a tablet at home so it connects to my router, and at other places, like major airports, university buildings, public buildings, Starbucks, McDonalds, etc., there is usually free wi-fi. If I really need an internet connection when I am out and can't find a free one, I just use my smartphone. Lastly, you can use most tablets as cameras, and more expensive ones have two cameras built-in so that you can also make phone calls via Skype. This post was edited by kudzu9 on Wed, Mar 27, 13 at 15:21

Hi Pal! I'm lousy at remembering birthdays, etc. What I did was buy a daily planner book where you can see the whole month at a glance and write down events. I had to do this and I keep it on my coffee table. I write birthdays in red ink. I forgot my new DIL's bday once and can I tell you how bad I felt? Other than her not supporting your relationship w/your partner, it sounds like you two are friends and you want to keep it that way. I know you're not seeking advice, but I think you need to pull her aside and tell her, "Sorry about my snarky email, but you know I'm lousy at remembering birthdays, but I did think of you." Maybe she'll apologize for her petty email too. I don't expect a party for my birthday, but I do expect to be remembered by those close to me, just as they are remembered. My family and friends are big on sending cards, and IMO, they are such a treat to get in the mail! Nobody is doing it because they're obligated either. Another thought, some of us and maybe your friend also, had birthday parties growing up, and a LOT of them. I had several surprise parties, the last being a teen. So as we grow older we still want the world to stop on that day. lol. And when it doesn't, well it's kind of depressing, even though we know that is how life is as we get older. Even if your friend said that in jest, she was still wrong to do it. She should know by now you are bad at remembering birthdays. To keep the harmony between you, I'd remind her. Oh, and next year don't buy her a Halmark card, buy her a Papyrus card. :) That will make her shut-up.

My suggestion focused on what would meet her needs feature and content-wise and wouldn't disappear. Yahoo has been a laggard since forever, so I agree with you. The thing about the big brand names is that they have staying power (which was her concern), while admittedly not necessarily the best products. That's true for all types of brands and all types of products. But I still wouldn't put MY important info on some fringe site as you suggest. My own preference is Google, because besides my belief that it will be a leader for years to come, I know it will ALWAYS have seamless integration with smartphones (which is essential to me). Phyllis may have other primary requirements and so has many to choose from.

I've looked into apps for time tracking, time management, project management, and so on, and the options are overwhelming. I look up online reviews that compare various apps (and what you don't like about Toggl could be a strength of another app). I make sure the review is within the last 6 mo. to 1 year, since apps change, merge and flop, and new ones come to the market frequently. I recently looked into mileage apps for business, and I ended up downloading 2 that were rated well by PCMag or somesuch, and used both for a while to see which one I liked. I know I'm not much help... I've just been around the block with small business apps and have had really mixed reviews with many of them.