When I travel I would like to be able to use a small,light, inexpensive laptop which would allow me to do 2 things only: send and receive e mail and access information from the Internet using the Google search engine.I would like to be able to use it without any wires on airplanes,cars,ships ,in the hotels etc
Considering the above I would appreciate the advice concerning the best choice of a laptop.Would a handheld device(and if this is the case which one)
Serve my purpose?

When you said small and light, several modesl came to mind, but then you said inexpensive and that changed the tune. There are several models in the sub 4 pound range. Sony and Acer lead here. But when you get into that range you pay a premium. Nokia and Samsung have new models that also fit your compute anywhere requirement. But again they are pricey. You can get a 5-8 unit in the sub $1000 range. But the models that fit your requirements are closer to the $2000 range.

You can get laptops with a 12.1 inch screen, or a tablet PC, but like ScottGem says, your talking $2000+ for these.

You can go with the "smartphone" handhelds, like a Nokia N-series phone, but these will cost upwards of $700 or more.

You can get a Dell 640m which has a 14.1 inch screen, weights under 6 lbs and costs $999 cdn. when on sale.