So what can I leave out (apart from VST's I want to use in existing projects) from Sonar to do the absolute minimal install on a small laptop and still have the program run?
 
Thanks

Hey Joden.  You have really answered your own question!  A minimal install is just the main program and any plugins that your projects reference. 
 
If you are running the new Sonar,  just run the main installer, then  the installer for any plugins that you use.  If you are on the X series,  run the installer and uncheck everything except the main program and any plugins that you use. 
 
 

okay cool, thanks. Good to get confirmation.