Sure, cheap laptops aren't going to get you power. BUT, consider the bright side of things (sorry for repeating the key things, I had to):
- You get internet connections on the road: at a hotel, etc. OR if you really want to be sneaky you get a wireless adapter (which some laptops are equipped with, and search your neighborhood for wireless hotspots.
- Why just use it for word processing? Most new and cheap laptops today can run Powerpoint, Excel, Open Office, Windows Media Player (for music, podcasts, videos & trailers, etc.), Adobe Reader, and other various apps that are extremely useful. Photoshop even has a shot of making it in.
- Games? Never mind about Halo, what about some serious fun puzzels like Super Collapse? Something that can last for a good amount of time without really growing old.