[SmokinDuck]

I wouldn't compromise and get something small that you can really only use for internet, email and taking notes.

What will happen is that after you get what you think will work just fine for internet, email and notes, 6 months later you will wish it had the ability to do more and end up selling it and upgrading to a more robust laptop.

You should be able to find a mid-grade laptop that will do what you need it to do and then some for around 300 - 400 bucks.