I've used a Dell Latitude X200 for a year now and it's been excellent. Normally I only need a plug-in USB memory stick to transfer data; however, if I need 3.5 diskette or CD-ROM drives, I just click the computer into it's matching 'media base'.
They've stopped making the X200 now and the replacement model, the X300 doesn't have a 3.5 diskette drive in it's mediabase, just a CD-ROM drive and a subwoofer.
However, I won't recommend a Dell to anyone as their customer service is utterly appalling. They broke my old Latitude LT when in their 'care' and I'm still waiting for a response from their Bray, Eire headquarters.....
Have a look at the smaller IBM thinkpads...or Sony Vaio.