Most college students use dell laptops and so does my dad's company. They run hotter than anything I'v ever used. I'v burnt myself using one before. I think it has to do with the lack of engineering that went into their hd's and batteries. The other thing i'v noticed is that Dell screen hinges are pretty flimsy. Try using an IBM. I think they all now have metal hinges; after a year of rough use, the screen on my T41 has ZERO play in it.

CJ, try pricing a T42 on IBM's website. The prices have dropped significantly. You can get a well equipped one for less than 1k, and I guarantee you it will last. IBM's perform amazingly in terms of battery life and performance. Most manufacturers including Dell will get one but not the other.