I consider IBM, Compaq, and Toshiba to be the best notebooks in the marketplace. Just recently configured a Toshiba A60, celeron model and for under $1,000.00 this notebook is an extremely nice piece of equipment. A 15" screen with ample usb connections average hard disk, and 256 ram with nic and wireless hookup. Might consider adding ram, also, has a modem if you lack a high speed internet connection. Dell is offering a notebook for a bottom dollar price but it lacks this and that, like a parallel port. This machine is listed on our website, take a look! but I can guarantee you will be satisfied.