Generally speaking which is physically smaller a netbook or a notebook? I have looked on wiki and other places via the interweb and I am no closer to finding an answer . . . . . can you help?
as long as you get one running windows then, Yes. Though due to the small screens and slightly small keyboards they may not be comfortable for extended periods of typing.
Best thing is probably to take a trip to your local PCworld or similar were they'll have a load on display and see if you find the size comfortable.
The other option is to buy a slighter smaller laptop / notebook.
The "normal" screen size for laptops is 15", but you can get them with screen sizes of 13" or so. They have all the power and features of a laptop, but nearer the size of a netbook.