Buy a Dell, we use those, and they're bulletproof. Probably. Seriously though, they're fine machines. Friend just bought a brand new Compaq with 14" TFT and DVD to replace an ageing Digital. Had no end of trouble with it so far.
Laptops are intended to be transportable, and as such their PSU's can invariably accept a wide range of voltages (110-250v) CHeck before you buy, but unlikey it isn't 220/240v compatible.
Aq