Hard disk is not an issue. Can always up it with a second hand 5400rpm disk.IMO, if you're considering a netbook, might as well go hunt for a x60 or x61? The x60/1 will be slightly more pricey (about $800-ish with warranty) but I'm sure you won't regret the quality of the Thinkpads. I had a Dell latitude 2100 but I still got drawn back to my x31 everytime .... The PM 1.3Ghz processor does not feel inferior to the Atoms. The only downside is the 4200rpm HDD on the x31 ....