Just thought i'd chime in here in case it helps. I have an Air 11 and absolutely love it. Runs Aperture fine and will meet you needs perfectly.
Regards cards, I have the Moshi card reader as I have a mix of CF, SD and Micro SD cards in various cameras. It is the best. most reliable one I have found yet.
Thanks for all the comments guys. I was away and in a part of the world with no internet so couldn't reply for a while.
I took the 13" MBP with me and just put up with the weight. It'll be the last trip I take with that though as the next one won't be until after the refresh
Thanks also for the comments on my photos, much appreciated