Laptop for Uni

[Elcs]

Firstly, I live in the UK and dont like the option of shipping stuff from the US so unless something is on a site that ships and is quite a nice bargain Im not going to be too interested.

I mainly need this laptop for word processing and the basic spreadsheet usage but I'd like the option to play some decent games. These games neednt be played at outrageous resolutions with everything under the sun on and maxxed, Id just like to play something smoothly at 800*600 with a bit of eye candy to break up the monotony of my Degree course.

Now, Im completely new to laptops and beyond the fact that it could be basically called a mobile desktop, I know little. My desktop PC is a Palomino 1800+ with Ti4400 and 512mb pc2100 DDR. This easily covers most games at max and can apply AA without too much trouble in most cases. I dont know how this bears in respect to laptops but if you can compare it to some sort of Desktop configuration Id be very appreciative.

I have also seen some decent Sony Laptops on the ever popular Dabs.com in the UK. Any opinions on the laptops from Sony or any laptops from there? Dabs is a good supplier of computer goods that I would definately purchase from if the prices are reasonable compared to other places

This next question is not intended to provoke a flame war and I hope it wont but for a laptop, should I look for Intel or AMD? Thinking along desktop terms, Id "assume" that Intel would be better due to the fact that the chip itself draws less power and disappates heat better. But as I said, I know nothing so can I get some opinions?

Thanks in Advance for any replies.

Elcs

 

[OldSpooky]

See Anandtech's review of Centrino mobile technology (Intel Pentium-M in particular). Right now there's no contest - Intel easily defeats AMD, Transmetta, and Motorolla in mobiles.

The Dell Inspiron 600m seems to be getting good press. It's considerably sturdier than its predecessors, and it uses the Pentium-M and 855 chipset.

 

[Elcs]

Thanks. That Centrino stuff looks rather hot.

I wont being going to Uni until September so I wont be buying for quite a while. I read on Anandtech that laptops should be receiving new graphics chips in the rather near future. Is this something to bear in mind quite a lot or is there any other planned advancements in technology between now and September that may concern me?