What laptop should I buy and where?

I am looking to purchase a portable computer. Any suggestions???
I have @ home an HP media center pc, which I use for work and editing video.
Pals with Apple Powerbook say it's the best for what I want (E-mails, music, writing programs, surf the net, when away from home). Is it too crazy to go with two different systems or would it work out for my needs?

 

"Pals with Apple Powerbook say it's the best for what I want (E-mails, music, writing programs, surf the net, when away from home)."

Apples don't do any of this 'better' than a PC. You should get which ever one you prefer. Apple computers will cost a good amount more than a comparable PC laptop. That reason alone would lead me to get a PC. For your needs, I would go with an Intel Centrino notebook. The Pentium-M processors will give you good performance and a much better battery life than regular P4 or Athlon processors. I would recommend something like this:

http://www.powernotebooks.com/configure.php?special=43

The only other thing you'll need is an OS. For $93, they will install a copy of XP Home on it for you.

 

Also, as far as getting a PC laptop because that's what you have at home, it really doesn't make a difference. You can network an apple computer with a PC fairly easily and transfer files back and forth.

 

Is price the major difference between an apple and a pc?
Do pcs have wireless capability like the powerbook? Can you install an air port on any pc?

 

Well generally you can get more for the money if you go with PC.

 

I recommend an Apple. It is nice to have both OS'es readily available. I personally have a PC Desktop and an Apple laptop. I wish it were the other way around sometimes, but I love my Apple and would never turn it in for a PC, only get a better Mac.

Price isn't really an issue considering the technology is a bit superior and in my opinion, far more reliable than any PC.

Everyone has their own opinion....

"The box said 'Windows 95 or better', so I bought a Macintosh"

 

Why? What can you do with a Mac that you can't with a PC? Do you really lose anything? Especially since you can always grab a copy of Mandrake and be able to use the same software.

 

I've decided to go pc. I think having two OS's will confuse me further than I am already. Plus, the powerbooks are more than $2000 and can get into upward of $3k with amenities. Which is too much. My ABSOLUTE MAX budget with EVERYTHING is $2k and that seems to be the starting point for apple powerbooks.
Ok. Now that I've decided pc, what to get???

Wyatt_Earp says to go with the Intel Centrino notebook.

Any other suggestions?? Anyone out there that owns the Intel Centrino that can give a first hand account of how well it operates??? I need simple to use, super-user-friendly gear, as I am a novice to computers. (and overwhelmed at all the variables involved...)

 

Yes, laptops with Centrino technology (Pentium M + i855 chipset + 802.11b) are definately the way to go if your laptop is going to spend a lot of time on battery power. Full-on desktop replacements that are simply moved from docking station to docking station allow you to go with Pentium 4 or AMD64 Mobile CPUs (the battery consumption and throttling would make them inappropriate for extended battery use).

As for what brand, both Dell and IBM have top-quality laptops.

 

Agreed. Centrino is the way to go.

 

Thanks for the info.
Youz guyz is good help!

I'll let you know how it goes.