  I've been debating lately as to what are the best things for a writer to have. There are so many books and gagets out there and I don't mean to be too materialistic, but some of these things look really useful. For instance, I have a laptop that allows me to take my writing anywhere but I find that it only moves inside my home... from the living room, to the bedroom, to the... bathroom.
I do use it for taking notes at college, but as for writing... I don't take it to inspirational areas. I wish I would but it just doesn't happen whether it be time or convenience. I also have a old PDA I got on recommendation from a friend. Now that... on the other hand... was a great idea. It's easy to carry and I can just jot down ideas when they happen. If I get a really great idea and want to expand on it then I can sit down and write it in there. I even had a keyboard for that one and it was great for bookstores and plane trips. But you don't need a keyboard if you can get cushy with the method of writing on the PDA.
I highly recommend one for any writer. I don't use it for dates or expenses at all so it doesn't bother me to get rid of those programs and download story building programs from nifty websites. When it comes to reference books I'm afraid the jury is still out. I have looked at dozens of reference books and besides the grammar book I got from college, I haven't seen a need to collect anything else. I do enjoy articles by other writers on inspiration but you can get that from the occasional magazine. You can read these magazines in a good bookstore and not have to leave with it. Just keep a note pad or PDA with you to jot down the ideas the writers discuss.
Journals are great... whether they are paper, computer document, or online. I have all three! I actually have many paper journals laying around here and there. I just see something in a blank book and when I find one I like I have to collect it. I always end up using them for one thing or another. I also have this blog as a sort of journal!
It's just a little more formal and solely on the subject of writing. Basically, in the end you just have to use what you feel helps you the most. It's not really about logic as much as it is about feeling. Do you feel you are supporting you need to write? Recently, my PDA has been having difficulties... partly because it's old and beat-up and for some reason the keyboard doesn't want to talk to it. Though I love the little thing I think it's just had it's day and needs to be put out to pasture so I can move on and get something else to serve me.
Yes, I could keep with my little PDA and save the money... that idea is strong. But I think someday this year I will move onto a new model. Just because I know I will feel denied by the old PDA wearing out and frustration will get to me. But that's just me. Remember... listening to someone talk about what they think of as good or bad is an intelligent thing to do but in the end you have to make the final choices for yourself based on how you feel or think. 
