And that's the point of making online backup data "last resort". Depending on the service you use, the meta data is preserved (for example, box.net is just a plain file storage system, while flickr is more than that).

AND that's why I use EXTERNAL DRIVES - I can build a computer out of an old microwave, some duct tape and a box of AA batteries - so computers are a commodity, not for the bugout.

That said - my eeePC 701 is DEFINITELY in my emergency kit. Connected with an external drive, it's all you really need.