Thinkpad..... all the cool kids have 'em ;)

Go with Lenovo T series. They are VERY sturdy, have an AMAZING keyboard (no one can compare), and can be cheap if you find the right coupons.

If not, go with the Dell XPS M series laptops. They are very powerful, yet expensive. Plus, if you will be in a professional setting a lot of the time, having a XPS laptop with lights might not be the best idea...

Lenovo.com - Thinkpad Z61t: 14", Core 2 Duo, 1GB, 80GB for $599
The Z61t is a discontinued model, but is still a good widescreen 14" notebook computer with very good specs for the price: To find it, enter Z61TSAVE800 in the eCode box on this page.

• Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66GHz processor
• Windows XP Professional
• 14" WXGA Titanium screen
• 1GB DDR2 memory (select 1 DIMM, so you can easily add a second module later, such as this one)
• 80GB hard drive
• CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
• 56k modem
• Intel Pro Wireless
• 4 cell battery
• 1 year warranty
• built-in Gigabit Ethernet

An upgrade from 4-cell to 7-cell battery costs $30 more. It weighs about a half pound heavier, but should give an additional 1 hour of battery time. Also an upgrade from 1 year to 3 year warranty can be added for $119 more, kind of pricey for a $600 computer, but could be worth it for someone whose laptop can be banged around.
http://www.hotdealsclub.com/spacer.gif
Thinkpads with these specs usually start at around $800.

Lenovo L3000 Y410 Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 14in Laptop $679.99AR Free Shipping, Oct. 15 10 AM
http://www.officedepot.com/pictures/...8935_sk_md.jpg
Office Depot has the Lenovo L3000 Y410 Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 14" Widescreen Notebook PC for a low $679.99 after rebates. Free Shipping. Tax in most states.
5.2lbs; 14.1"; 1.66GHz; 2GB RAM; 160GB HDD; DL DVD+/-RW; 802.11a/b/g; Vista Home Premium
rebate ($150) Exp 10/20
rebate ($70) Exp 12/31

MacBook Pro
Save a LOT! on refurbs! they practically brand new, no scratches at all.
APPLE refurbs are best refurbs I've seen!
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...nplm=FA895LL/A

15.4-inch widescreen display
2GB memory
120GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 128MB of GDDR3 memory
Built-in iSight Camera


http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...ly/macbook_pro

or if you still want X86 PC then maybe this one:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=bqdwk7x&s=bsd

Dell SB - Vostro 1500 15.4-inch Widescreen Notebook with Core 2 Duo Processor, 2GB, 120GB and 8x CD/DVD Burner
$679 with Free Shipping
Click through to get this Vostro 1500 for $679 with free shipping.
System Specs: 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Windows XP Home
15.4-inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife
2GB DDR2 Memory
120GB SATA Hard Drive
8x CD/DVD Burner
128MB NVidia GeForce Video Card
Dell Wireless 1390 wifi card
Expires: Unknown

Stay away from Dell. I had battery problem, noisy fan, harddrive issues just to name a few. Dell uses cheap materials so can't get quality.

dell laptops are re-badged Acer's.

G - you should REALLY consider this road.

PS: I have the following; MacBook Pro (OSX), iMac(OSX), HP Pavillion dv9000 (Vista), Dell workstation (XP)

macbook pro/macbook or lenovo...the best laptops now on the market.