After visiting Circuit City, Office Depot, Best Buy (two), CompUSA and Micro Center, here's what I found. The latest and greatest chip (heart of computer) out there is Intel Core Duo which has two processors that allow you to multi-task easily. Only Sony and Acer have models out(at least in the stores I visited) that contain these processors. Among those, my final two choices are: Sony VAIO VGN-FE550G - $1450 after $50 instant rebate and $150 mail-in rebate at CompUSA Acer Aspire 5672WLMi - $1399 at Micro Center After much analysis, I bought Acer Aspire from Buy.com because it was cheaper there ($1,188.99 + delivery). Specs are: - Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor - 1GB Memory, extendable to 2GB - 120GB SATA Hard Drive - DVD +-RW 8x double layer - 15.4" screen - Integrated webcam, microphone and two speakers - 4 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 1 Fast Infrared, 1 S-video ports - 8 cell battery - ATI Mobility Radeon x1400 graphics card with 128 DDR memory - Bluetooth 2.0 and WiFi ready I hope, by posting my experience of buying a notebook, I have helped other folks here at Sajha who are considering the enjoyable challenge of making an investment on a laptop themselves. It has been fun!!! Cheers.