Before you make your final decision, consider what I did. I have a lot of contact with my local computer shop (AnTechs) and the manager there is V helpful. He's usually working on a stripped down machine at the back of the shop in full view of the customers - I tell you this just to let you know that he's an expert, not some pimply youth given half an hours high pressure sales training with little knowledge of how the damn things work.
Anyway, 3 months ago, like you, I decided to buy a new laptop, as my old notebook started to leak steam! I went to see my man and ask for his advice, prices, specs, etc. I knew roughly what I wanted so was able to give him a detailed account of my needs. We discussed the relative merits of a handful of machines when I asked him what machine he used. He brought out his own laptop and gave me a demo.
Then I realised that if it was good enough for him, what better recommendation? Now I have a BenQ, with shedloads of features (more than I will probably use, but you never know). Cost about £950, and I have it hooked up to my home wireless network.
Worth thinking about, especially since they will be close to home and you can get face to face support...