Originally posted by Trapps:
I need a laptop for work.

Some needs:
good battery performance
XP Pro
CD burner (data)
large monitor (widescreen)
medium sized HD (30 to 50GB)
fast processor
512 memory min

Wants:
dvd player (for those flights to Mexico)
Built in wireless
2+ USB ports (at least one on the side)


I have to keep it under $1500. I'm looking at a Toshiba Tecra A4.

Any other suggestions?



Screen size and a fast processor will eat your battery, so you have to decide where on the performance spectrum you want to end up.
Some things to keep in mind:

-Playing back a DVD will eat your battery more than just sitting there doing work or whatever as it has to keep the disc spun up.
-Anything larger than a 14" screen and you can't use it comfortably in a coach airline seat, depending on how much you fly this might or might not be a factor.

Take a look at the IBM thinkpad R-series. They certainly aren't the cheapeast thing out there but are worth the $$$. Apple also has some nice offerings and their customer service is top-notch. There are a lot of other brands out there but the list of brands I haven't known anyone who had a hardware problem with shrinks on a regular basis. IBM and Apple are still on that list, FWIW.

"Bros before Hoes" <-- More men need this mentality.