MobileTechReview Forum, News and Reviews: Considering a Laptop or PDA for 3rd World Travel Writing/Internet

I'll be traveling in Asia for long periods of time (4-mo) and am trying to decide if I want to bring my Slim IBM T40 laptop or purchase a Wi-Fi enabled Handheld device. I'll be staying in hostels, and traveling with a backpack so weight is an issue, but also theft is an issue. A laptop would be more of a hassle to carry and keep safe than a handheld device.

I am a fast typer and am worried that when updating my travel blog, I will become frustrated by having to "write" my blogs rather than "type". Does anyone have any updated information on using a separate keyboard device to type on a PDA compared to its current handwriting technology? What are the pros and cons compared to an actual laptop?

Also, does anyone have any comments on e-Travel Books? I know the LetsGo Guide books have a series, but I think they are only available for the PalmOS system. I'd like to cut down on my pack weight by using ebooks. Does anyone have a resource for available titles or have information related to the feasibility of reading longer books on a handheld?

Finally, I was researching some translator software a while ago for travel to Central America. Are there any workable options available? There was one a year ago that allowed you to speak into the microphone and then it would translate it and speak out of the speaker.

Anyway, any information would be helpful.