[Steve Beswick]

Intel's X4500, G43/45 chipset, and the ATI 4250 have about the same performance. I don't think you will notice much difference between the two systems you specified even though they seem so dissimilar. Memory over CPU, screen over storage, per price point, has always been my priorities. I also google for known issues and read reviews looking for hardware issues.

Thank you
Russell

Now that is just the sort of advice I was looking for. Thanks Russell! If I figure out this rep system, you will be my first recipient!

Edit: Rep - system - almost - too - easy - !

[GeneV]

The problem with laptops is that even mid level ones to expensive ones have absolute shite screens that make editing an absolute chore.

Agree 100%. Boards are drivers are limited as well. That is one of my biggest disappointments. I purchased an upper-mid level HP with a 17" screen a few years ago for photo work, installed CS3, and have found color matching and other video issues a nightmare. I am now also in the market for a laptop, but, in the digital age, I will treat this purchase as being as important as my camera. I have not upgraded my CS3 because I am not sure of my OS.

By the way, to the issue raised by someone about ATI/NVIDIA, my laptop has one of the best NVIDIA boards available at the time for a laptop, but it has been nothing but trouble with PS and other demanding video software. After a number of driver updates, the vidoe crashes only once every day or two while using PS. The NVIDIA software often destroys the desktop layout when the computer "docks" with another monitor, and the color adjustments are totally inadequate when setting up multiple monitors.

I have to be able to process raw images away from my desk, so I need at least one laptop with decent photo software, but you do get what you pay for.

[tuco]

All the laptops that I have been looking at have video out. Heck, even my netbook has video out. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "docked" though.

Video out just means that you can connect to an external monitor or HDTV. It is still the video card in the laptop that is "driving" the display.

The power of a computer is the sum of all its sub-system components such as memory bus and speed, hard drive speed and graphics cards. Shopping for a bargain basement computer while trying to get the most CPU you can seems a moot point. The more the newer CPU costs in these cheap computers, the more they have to cut costs in other components to get the price down. I'd say you'd be better off in terms of bang-for-the-buck getting a 2nd generation used desktop or laptop from some who is upgrading.