Along time ago, around 4-6 years ago, I saw this laptop that was around 9" that was a toshiba. Back then of course it was called a laptop because the word netbook did not exsist. Here is the specs and looks, It was quite heavy if I can rerember.
considering that Toshiba had the beautiful Portege R100 in 2003, I doubt they would have something like that thing in 2003, it could be older. Are you sure the laptop wasn't on a dock of some sort?
Like this
If you want to dig for yourself, the CNET archives are enormous and if a laptop exists between now and '98 it would be on there.
I know for a fact that it was not on a dock, it was in 2003 because I rerember thats when I brounght my Fujitsu Siemens Amilo. (now busted) I will have a look at cnet