Version Strategy Advice for 16 Jan 2013

I'm in a pickle with a new USB stick, wondering whether to install 12beta2 or 11 for an elderly computer illiterate. The stick will run overseas on borrowed PCs or at net cafes. Myself, I have never used PortableApps, but am a computer whiz.

First I saw the notice about 12 shipping for the holidays, so I waited. Later I read of Haller's schedule slip from hurricane and health issues which are understandable. So what wisdom have the crowds for me.

The feature I wonder about is file association. It is slotted for 12b3 or later? Is there any clue about the next beta release ETA? Should I wait for it, use 12b2, or use v11?

Thanks very much to John and his team for this wonderful resource.