Small laptop for work, not a netbook.

[tom_nieto]

Hello all, I wonder if you could offer some suggestions for a small laptop for work? I'd rather not have a netbook (unless they've got significantly faster). I'm not going to be playing any games or encoding video. Focus is on portability (12-13" screen), battery life and longevity. It would be ideal if it had a high resolution screen and HDMI output.

Questions:
is what I'm after actually a netbook?
Will a SSD make a massive difference to performance? (I'm likely to invest in a NAS device for larger files)
Windows or Mac? - MacBook air looks like a great package but is pricey.
Are there any stylish windows machines worth looking at?

Thanks!

 

[tom_nieto]

Lenovo do seem like the brand of the moment. A tablet is no good as I'll be doing work on it and a keyboard will be required. The X220 would be my choice, but with all the options the price soon stacks up.

Are the HDDs all standard 2.5" laptop ones? I would be seriously tempted to add a small SSD myself rather than fork out for a factory fitted one.

Thanks for the suggestions.