[CarrotAndStick]

If you want a laptop that also doubles as a tablet-PC(for applications like reading ebooks, jotting notes with a stylus, instead of typing, etc), go for the Fujitsu T series.

http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/products/mobile/tablet_pcs/lifebook_t.html

[johniegrad]

Thanks for the information. To show you how far away I am getting from this stuff, I didn’t even know the stylus option existed. Can you tell me anything about Fujitsu as a manufacturer?

[mkjessup]

I'll second the Fujitsu, that is a fine machine, Fujitsu had a hard drive issue a few years back but everything I hear now indicates they are top notch in every category.

I would suggest avoiding 'Alienware', not because of any problems they have (they have always built a fine box and laptop), but because Alienware is now a wholly owned and operated subsidiary of (*gasp*) DELL, and that alone is the kiss of death.