eticket - thanks for such an in depth reply... My old laptop worked well with the Sony HDV 1080p output, and even managed to play back HD, but I take on board what you say about getting a machine customised to rune at its best - after all it will be the main use for the laptop.
I need a laptop as I do a lot of diving, often out at sea for a week or so at a time... I try to do first cut edits each night so that I can knock out a DVD for others on the trip by the end of the week.
It's only a hobby, although I have managed to make some very good DVDs with stunning footage, so I don't want to break the bank... thus I think for the monment I will be sticking with Premiere pro in some guise (using PP2 at moment still).
Because its diving trips, often abroad, that I do the videoing on, weight and price of camera housing is an issue - a bigger 'better' camera would mean lots of expense (my current housing was over £6k) and lots of weight issues at check in!!
Thanks again