I'm in the market for a basic Android device.  My main reason for buying one is for learning to develop mobile apps.  While the Eclipse IDE offers a virtual Android device for testing apps, it's not the same thing as a real Android device and won't put me on the same wavelength as Android device users.  (The most obvious example: Visibility is poorer in a bright outdoor environment than indoors.)

Some questions:
1.  Is a tablet PC the type of device I should get?  I get the impression that it's more versatile than other devices.  I don't need a smartphone, because my dumbphone works well for me, and I don't even use it that much.  And I HATE the idea of being locked into a specific wireless provider.  I'm not interested in ebooks, because I still like books on paper better.
2.  In addition to wifi, what else should I look for?
3.  Are there any brands/models I should avoid?  I remember hearing that the Packard Bell PCs were the most unreliable.  The Yugo was a terrible value.  (An old Oldsmobile Cutlass clunker was a better value - at least as reliable but MUCH cheaper to buy.)

-- 
Jason Hsu <jhsu802701 at jasonhsu.com>