Need advice on new laptop

So how long do we have to wait for this? Are we talking about the holiday shopping season (Nov)?

 

Wow, that's terrible battery life. Is that common with AMD's? My Intel Duo Core HP laptop gives me 6 hours.

 

bought this for around $600ish on ebay, the weight doesn't feel lighter than normal 15.5" 6.5lb standard. It's ok laptop, fast wireless connection but I rather have a 15.4 Toshiba.

 

What is everyone's preference?

Dell, HP, Acer, Sony? Rank them from first to last. If I left anyone out, feel free to add them.

 

I would add Sager Computer to the list. They have been around for years and oem quality laptop systems.

http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/go_np9260.html

http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/web_specials.html

 

Aren't Toshiba's over rated?

 

has anyone heard of/used a 2nd screen on a laptop for traveling, or is it better to get a graphics card to support another monitor and try to use one of the monitors at a hotel for example..

 

I have a $499.00 Compaq Presario 2000 and it is GREAT...I trade off of it and operate my non-profit from it...honestly...forget anything over $1,000...most people do not need that...seriously, unless you are a expert graphics dude...just stay under a $1,000...being totally serious...hope this helps you...

 

Sony 1
Dell 2
Acer 3

 

I would say:

1. sony
2. hp
3. dell
4. acer

Dell has the best value (the lowest price for the same spec).

Instead of E1405, I will prefer Inspiron 640m.

You can get a 640m with 2GB, 9 cell battery for less than $700. Upgrade the processor to the one with 2M cache.

One thing I am not sure is the OS. Should we stay with XP or go with vista?