The technology is not quite there yet but it won't be very long before you can travel and have full modern communications without bringing a laptop.
I've met a few folks on the road using iPhones and Androids without SIM cards; just using WiFi connections in hostels and bars for email and Skype.
When the battery life starts improving on these devices (and you can always charge the thing from the bike) I believe they will be a viable alternative to carting round a computer.
Another thing to consider is a 3G Amazon Kindle. This is an inexpensive device that will not only allow you to carry a library (all my Lonely Planets and the like are on Kindle) but gives you limited but free access to the internet in some surprisingly remote places.

(Note: I have no connection with Amazon.)

Thanks again. Technology is moving too fast for me to catch up. I don't even know how to use speed dial on my cell phone, let alone trying to surf the web using a web phone. I would consider an achievement if I can learn how to work Skype before the trip starts. I am not joking.:eek3:

Bump up:D