For serious work use I'd skip the netbook and go for a 12" ultraportable like the Thinkpad "X" series or Sony "TT" series. They are a heck of a lot more portable than 5-6 pounders. When you're in the office you can run a second monitor (either with a dock or VGA connector.) It depends on your budget though, netbooks are definitely more inexpensive. If you do go the netbook route make sure to try before you buy.