iPad. Really. With the prop case it's easy to write on (I've taken to writing [long] blog entries on it). No word but you know you can write on it and print to printers (get airhack). image manipulation: check (not gimp but there are a few options and if you're doing photoshop level work, a netbook isn't the right choice anyway). Internet: check, Skype: Check (I use GIZMO). VNC, SSH, built in VPN. Honestly my laptop use has been cut by 1/2 in the past 6 months since I've had this thing (only video editing will tether me here)