Honestly, I don't have access to HSN. I was told that theirs was a different machine from the B&N one, and that it had a 3G card. (I assumed that explained the, what was it? $500+ price tag on it.) I didn't check it out for myself. Sorry about that. That is interesting though - they're doubling the price for nothing.

I've also heard that there will be an 'update' for the color nook that will make it more like an ipad - but that could mean a download for the current model (definitely no 3G capabilities there) or an entirely new machine (and a 3G addition seems unlikely). Neither in time for your trip.

It's looking like an iphone and a couple of apps might be your best bet.