If I may add more info to the mix... I used to fix computers and build networks on the side. I have also owned several laptops.
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I do not recommend you get a laptop unless you are sure you really really need one. Compared to a good desktop, laptops are more expensive, less expandable, require more maintenance and not as easy to use. The plus is that they are portable.
I would really like to hear why you need a portable computer. Not to challenge your decision by no means but to provide a more tuned response to your question.
I looked at the Gateway 450XL and that is a fine laptop. Gateways are fairly good quality in my opinion. I notice it has 802.11 which should be included on all laptops in my opinion.
The radeon 7500 in the 450XL will do most games fairly well. Remember that LCDs tend to lag in refresh speed so your FPS genre games are not going to be as crisp as a CRT. Don't play games? No problem.
How do you like the track pad point device? I assume you have tried these out in your local laptop store. Some people (like me) are not to crazy about track pads. They tickle my finger (honest) and I have to hold my hand up in an uncomfortable posistion to keep my palm off the pad. Track points are not much better in my opinion. I am so uncomfortable with both options that I have never really enjoyed using my laptops until now (see below). Your results will vary, and you may find the track pad a joy to use.
The modular drive on the 450XL and others is handy. You will probally not miss the external 3.5" diskette much. Most tasks have gone to the CD. The DVD drive is very handy for long plane flights. You may have to bring along a plane adapter or extra battery because DVD chews the juice.
With the advent of good CD and DVD software emulation, lugging around the extra weight of a CD/DVD drive and larger battery is no longer a requirement. Since most laptops have a good size HD, I have images of all the CDs I could imagine using and compressed files of any DVD movies we might want to see. You also don't have to carry a disk pouch. Less gear to carry is a good thing in my opinion.
A good size monitor is great but you pay for it in weight, bulk and battery life. Typically, you sit closer to an LCD than a CRT so the size is less of an issue. Again, try them out in your local store to see what you must have.
As far as the goodness of Compaq; they are good if you play by their rules. If you treat a Compaq like the other brands, it will be a real pain in the butt to maintain. I have worked on too many Compaqs. I used to really hate them but I learned they will actually sing if you read all their tech bullitens and do everyting just how they say to do it. I still steer clear of them when buying for myself though.
Dell is the best brand in my opinion but their laptops aren't as exciting.
Regardless of what brand you go with, there are always lemons. Laptops are just more picky.
I hope this was usefull.
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What do I currently use? Believe it or not, my current laptop is a
Acer C100.
I am not saying this would be the best unit for you, but I get a lot of use out of it.
Of all the laptops I have owned and worked on, this one is the most fun to use. I actually enjoy using it. For me, the pen interface made a big difference. I also use the wi-fi alot. The C100 is one of the new "convertable" class of laptops. It switches between a laptop and a tablet. I find myself using tablet mode more than I thought I would. You can order an external drive but I just use an emulator across the network. We took it to the 2003 SS and used it for everything. Watch movies on the plane, listened to mp3s, played RTS game, download pics from the digicam, GPS navigation (with map software), posted to the cpf, processed credit cards, etc. I have had no problems and it is yet to crash. Of course, you results may vary as some users seem to just have bad karma.
Peter