Where's My Check!?

In anticipation of the arrival of my check from Bratz, (someday) I was doing some online browsing for laptops. Or "Notebooks" as they are now known. The prices are of course pretty high, and it's easy to add on just a few simple features that raise the price $500.

Cindy suggested getting a cheaper laptop, instead of one with lots of bells and whistles - this is based on the understanding of how quickly PC technology becomes outdated, and how often you need to buy a new one.

I guess I can't argue that. When it comes to basic functionality, I'll be using the thing for word processing, wireless internet, and occasionally to watch DVDs on trips, play games on trips... For games, you want a good video card and lots of RAM. But really, the games thing isn't that big a deal, cause without a proper mouse and keyboard, games aren't as much fun.

So if I decide I won't be playing games (beyond the Hoyle Casino variety) on the laptop, I can get away with a crappy video card and less RAM.

Screen Size is not a huge deal, I'm more concerned about portability and battery life.

My big dream is to be Out and About (not Out in the alternative lifestyle way, just out in public) and relaxing at the bistro, getting my creative write on. But considering how little work I do, you know, at work, I have plenty of time to write while on the clock. (I'm not lazy. Right now they just want my butt in the chair)

In the end, the laptop will become a second PC for the house. We both love the internet and the PC and one of us is always on it when the other one is in the mood to use it. So as a second PC, shouldn't it be nice and robust?

I dunno...