key specs, IMHO :
Intel
Core-2 Duo processor , speed relatively unimportant, but dual core significantly improves performance. Many, if not most, PCs still
don't have this.
At least 1GB memory, 1.5 - 2 GB if can afford it.
Hard drive, 5400 or 7200 RPM (not 4200), largest capacity you can afford, but no less than 100GB.
Writeable DVD+-RW optical drive (but I wouldnt pay for a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD just yet, while the "format war" is in progress. Even the blank discs are like $10!).
Dedicated video adapter chipset that is "Vista capable". The cheaper laptops use "shared memory" whose performance sucks, for all but basic tasks.
Built-in Wireless, B/G dual band.
Screen size to your liking, keeping in mind 13-15" are much lighter weight and longer battery life. 17" should be considered "semi-portable desktop substitute". I don't much care for the wide-screen aspect ratio, you can't see as much of a web page or document; if you were going to spend LOTS of time viewing DVD movies, maybe then.
The business-oriented Lenovos (former IBM) have a good track record for durability and good quality fullsize keyboard pitch, but they are butt-ugly (flat black plastic, etc). My employer standardized on Lenovos a couple years ago , with over 1000 notebook PCs, and they have been pretty good. Don't have much feedback on the "consumer" Lenovos.
I'd be a bit leery of Gateway nowadays, seems they are on brink of bankruptcy.
Here's a link to detailed Lenovo specs
Lenovo Training Solutions Course Code: MXW10
then click to download the PDF file from "
ThinkPad notebooks (current models)"
What I'd love to have is an Apple Macbook Pro loaded with Windows XP, but super-pricey ... also have to buy a full separate version of Windows, and driver support is still substandard, I've read.
