I've never had a laptop, but always build my desktops from parts. I want to get a laptop but not spend a ton.
There is a deal on Gateway's page http://www.gateway.com/index.shtml for $899 that seems good. 2.53GHz, 512M, 15", 802.11b/g, 10/100, plus an extra $65 for a carrying case.
I also saw...