Laptop Purchase Advice Needed

[Mike Krzywonski]

I'm in the market for my 1st laptop computer, which will be used primarily for chasing. I'd like to spend under $1000. Can anyone recommend something that will serve my needs w/o having to deal w/ all the issues I've read on related threads (e.g., Vista vs. XP, card readers, input jacks, memory, etc.)?

I realize that some of these issues are unavoidable, but I'm a little overwhelmed by all the info. I've been reading, as this will be my 1st laptop. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[David Schuttler]

http://www.dell.com/outlet

In the past you could find more XP's in the business side , you can still find an XP in home/home office area though. If you're more comfortable with XP.

Check http://twitter.com/DellOutlet for coupons sometimes .

[Nathan Truninger]

HERE (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4516147&sku=C999-170001) is a helluva deal on a Dell Laptop on TigerDirect. These studio laptops of theirs are uber fast!

[Robert Rohloff]

Mike also look at the Sony FW series. I am sort of watching for Dells new 16 inch drop in price, they have taken the Alienware lighted key board and put it in one of their new 16 inch xps laptops. Having a lighted key board is great for night use.

[Ben Holcomb]

I just got one of these (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115539) for $649. The price is $699, though, but it came with a card reader and had an ExpressCard slot so I could buy a firewire card to hook my camera up to. The built in webcam seems pretty nice, and overall the laptop seems tough. I reformatted it and put Vista Ultimate on it. It came with Home Premium, but came loaded down with a bunch of crap.