I know that I am going to get shot down for this

, but I have used an Apple ibook for the past two years and I love it. The software is pretty much compatible with a PC and it has much better protection against virusses, hackers and whatnot. I looks a hell of alot better too, and you don't get sucked into the Microsoft web of deceit and shitey software glitches. If I had $2k to spend on a laptop, I would get a 17" powerbook

with superdrive (DVD-r). Most of the laptop PC's are a couple years behind Apple as far as overall value, b/c what most laptop PC's have as "amazingly new" has been on my computer for years. Just my 2c. Let the naysaying commence