My current laptop is 4.5 years old and not only is it a tank, but now the batteries are consumed and I can free range for only 30 minutes. 2 new batteries are $150, even looking for good deals on eBay/froogle.

I want to upgrade to a workhouse laptop. I want to set up a docking station and dual monitor setup at home, but I want to be able to take the laptop out and about when I travel. I have a ton of pictures I would like to edit and 100s of CDs to port to mp3/m4p. I would really like to be able to record TV, but it's not a must. Being able to play games again would be nice, but I'm not into the latest, greatest MMORPG. A racing game or a sport game (Madden, Tiger Woods) is more likely. I would like to run Photoshop and maybe AutoDesk or Solidworks to improve my skills.

I'm also big on multi-tasking...having Excel/Quicken/2 web browsers/WinAmp open at the same time is pretty much a baseline.

I have been looking over the web for about a year now and keep talking myself in and out of makers and parts. I came within inches of saying F-it and building my own desktop. I like XP Pro, but I'm not impressed by what I see from Vista. I know there will be price cut in processor prices in January, but does that only affect desktops?

I'm looking to spend <$1500 on the laptop itself, though I would make exceptions if there's key functionality to be gained.

Any insight or good websites to peruse would be helpful.

12/23/2006 5:36:16 PM

Well gee, I seem to remember a thread about this, try the search button man....

http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=451553

http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=447690

and there are more, thats just off the top....

12/23/2006 5:50:24 PM

are you gonna sell the old one?

12/23/2006 10:59:09 PM

Quote :

"100s of CDs to port to mp3/m4p"

m4a

12/23/2006 11:37:33 PM