Miscellaneous laptop discussions : UMPC, or Laptop

UMPC, or Laptop

I need a light weight, portable, reliable solution for editing papers, maintaining databases, etc. for running a technical publication. Travel is frequent, so I need to bring everything, have long battery life, and run several applicaitons at the same time, though none are highly graphically intensive. Must be future proof.
Trying to decide on either a small form factor laptop, or the right UMPC. I can edit sufficiently on the radial buttons on the Q1, but I'm concerned about the lack of horsepower for handling multiple applicaitons. I'd add an external keyboard for serious typing, but the interface might work fine on the bus or plane. Considering a Sony but they are pricey, and might come with more bells and whistles than I need. I can do without the wireless internet service; 802.11g is good enough.
What do all of you recommend? And do I need Vista?
Thanks