Are you set on a laptop/netbook, or are you open to a tablet? I have the original iPad, and it still works fantastic. I have 14 movies on it ATM, and if I wanted to put the money into a printer, I could print with it. The only thing I don't like about it is there is no Quicken app :(, the closest is Mint.com, which I am still trying to figure out.
Everything else that I can do on my desktop (outside of high graphics gaming) I can do on my iPad. Because of the new iPad, the base iPad2 is going for $399 and if you don't want cameras, you can probably pick up an original iPad for even cheaper.
I carry it in an inCase carry case, and it has room for all of my power cables, my keyboard, my MiFi Hot Spot and it includes a two position stand to prop the iPad up.