I wouldn't pay that much for that system. The weight plus the integrated video and low battery life really kill it. For that price, you could get a Dothan w/ radeon 9700 that gives you over 4 hours battery life. I know you say it'll usually be plugged in, but if that's the case, why not get a faster machine anyway and be future proof? You could get a good A64 or Dothan machine for less than that price. I guess it's OK, if you only want to buy Sony, but i've always known people to buy Sony for being light and having extra features. That machine seems a bit stock (lowest res wide lcd, ddr266 memory, P4 3.06) I would get the refurb Acer Ferrari if you don't mind refurb and you want your machine to be more future proof, or a good, loaded HP/COMPAQ A64 or Dothan machine for the same price.....