One Lap top to consider
This is just based on my own experence but consider a Dell Vostro I'm using a 1310 with just standard graphics - i.e. no good too small - but the company offer bigger screens and dedicted nvidia graphics card options; with fast hard disk drives. I'm a new user but you have the option of XP Pro as an operating system, which might help performance wise. I have no connection with the company but their laptops seem OK for the relatively modest cost. - If you are using Vista get as much fast DD3 RAM as possible. Always beware of heat disapation probs with a laptop as well.
CAT III