All of the above. A tablet or Ipad are good for Skyping and these days it seems like the wikicamps app is almost as popular as the camps Australia wide
Lap top is good if you have a blog or webpage. A webpage/blogg is a good way of showing family and friends what you are doing. Google earth is a great aid
One of the best inventions for keeping in touch is Facebook.

Madcart, I agree with Neil and Raine, go for your Ipad, takes great photos, I use that instead of my camera these days, easy to upload to facebook and other pages on the internet. Skype works well on the Ipad and I do most things on this now, very rarely get my laptop out. Have it hotspotted from my Iphone, don't ask how it happens because my son who is a techie set it up for me and works well. I am sure your grandkids will show you or the Telstra shop people.

I use FB, best way to keep in touch with a lot of people, I set up an extra page for the public to view on my travels. Email of course, and the telephone when necessary.

Wikicamps is my best buddy these days. Use that more than the camps book. That is an app for the Iphone and Ipad, well worth the download. A small cost now I think.

All the best with your plans, just do it and have fun with it.

laptop for us, Telstra pre-paid dongle which can be connected to external arial if needed. Have been in places where we have no mobile phone access (Telstra blue tick) but internet working via external arial.
Generally use facebook and mobile phone (also have a sat phone for emergencies which takes sim card from mobile phone - must have international roaming)n

This should just about do it mate