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.

Thinkpads with these specs usually start at around $800.

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Thanks Benny! Every Breath Bernanke Takes

Lenovo L3000 Y410 Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 14in Laptop $679.99AR Free Shipping, Oct. 15 10 AM

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

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Thanks Benny! Every Breath Bernanke Takes

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.

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You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

G - you should REALLY consider this road.

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

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An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

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

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x5 3.0 (2001)