You should be able to carry just as much stuff on a long wheel base recumbent as your Surly. You can get a big bag that hangs off the back of the RANS standard seat(Bachetta has a similar seat). A rack on the back will let you mount panniers. The Bachetta Bella, RANS Stratus, and RANS Formula LE would be good for your purposes. You's also do well with dual 26" wheels bike like the Stratus XP. This bag from RANS can hold a laptop
http://www.shoprans.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BPAC0060-59.