PLEASE help me choose notebook

[aamsel]

Here is my list of requirements:
1.) The highest-quality possible notebook with 15.4" WXGA (or 15" XGA if that changes the recommendation). High quality LCD panel, a "normal one", not one of the new ones with a reflective plastic coating. I want to use the monitor for viewing, not for shaving! I just need WXGA/XGA. My eyes are not young, and high resolutions will just make text smaller in native mode.
2.) The lightest possible weight available, while still making #1 above (high quality) the top consideration.
3.) Best/fastest available cpu/video/memory/hard drive subsystems, while still making #1 (high quality) the top consideration. And, yes, I do realize that the fastest cpu/video/memory would be found on a P4 which would not help light weight in #2 requirement.
4.) I am assuming that it will have to be a Centrino to in any way satisfy #2.
5.) Best available service.
6.) Better than average keyboard would be great. IBM Thinkpad quality keyboard would be huge.
Again, highest-quality possible is absolutely my #1 requirement without a doubt.
In other words, if I have to buy a heavier machine to meet #1 requirement, please let me know, that is ok with me. Or, if the best machine is heavier, please let me know that.
Reason:
a.) I have just been through "Dell hell" with a Latitude. 6 weeks and still don't have a good working notebook. 4 onsite service calls (next business day) and 1 system replacement, 3 replaced LCD panels, video still screwed. They (Dell) are NOW going to replace my latest refurbished system they sent me with a brand new one...I AM GOING TO SELL IT ON EBAY the day it comes!!
ANY ADVICE WILL BE MORE THAN WELCOME!
I do fully realize that when picking a notebook, or any item nothing is ever perfect. Just looking for the best risk to take on one right now, based on my current list of needs. Yes, I know that any box can die anytime.
I want HIGH quality, like an IBM, except that IBM and their Radeon 7000 series video or shared video are outrageously priced, and archaic in the video GPU's. High quality like the SONY's used to be, but I don't want to pay $250 for a battery. High quality like the Dell Latitude was at one time, when Dell could properly service and support them. They don't appear capable now.
Thanks a lot in advance!
Andrew
Austin, TX

 

[Whitecloak]

an inspiron 8600?

 

[aamsel]

Did you happen to read my post??
Please re-read the part about the "Dell hell" that I have just been in????????
I don't want another darned Dell notebook.

 

[ShellGuy]

Top quality is a matter of opnion if you ask me. If you want the best of everything then you are talkin custom system and no small amout of change. What specs are you looking for Higher speed or better bat life?? DVD burner? Wireless G? BT?? I get that you want the best. Which is what we all want if we are planing on spending lots of cash. But the better question is what do u want this system to do. Give me an idea of what u want in it and the money u want to spend and I and or we can c what we all can find 4 ya.

Will

PS Good luck

 

[aamsel]

Just specs based on the list I posted. Money not an object.
Willing to pay more for more.
Want everything you mentioned above.
Andrew
Austin, TX

 

[ShellGuy]

14.1 XGA TFT Active Matrix Screen
(Bright Screen)

Intel® Pentium® M 1.3GHz processor
1024KB L2 Cache

512MB PC 2100/266 DDR Ram (1 DIMM) + $90.00

60GB ATA 100/HDD 7200 RPM + $135.00

8X DVD/24X10X24 CD-RW Combo Drive + $50.00

Built-in 6-in-1 Card Reader (and separate floppy drive) + $55.00

Windows XP Home - Installed + $100.00

Built-in 802.11g TURBO (108Mbps) Wireless LAN & Bluetooth Card + $140.00

SALE - 3 Year Warranty (Complete Parts & Labor - Exp - 4/30 - $ 249 Value) + $179.00

Total Price is $2,113

That is one i made

That is just one part of what i can find is there something you want diff or to add?



Will

 

[aamsel]

I am not going to buy a notebook from an individual.
If you have a website that these are sold on, post it, and I will check it out.
Otherwise, thanks, but no.
Andrew
Austin, TX

 

[ShellGuy]

I was trying to figure out what you were lookin for and a price range u liked. That build came from here and was built on the ChemBook 2300. There are lots of places to custom lappys. If you don't like that site say so and i will post somemore.

Will

 

[SKC]

go to powernotebooks.com.. 10.0 reseller rating. They have two notebooks that could satisfy your needs; both are centrino. One is 15.4 wxga (or wsxga+ configurable), the other is normal 15.0 xga (or sxga configurable). Just look under the 15" notebooks section; both have at least mobile radeon 9600.

I had to wade through dell sh1t too.

If money were no object for me, I would get a t41p, but you wanted a 15" or above screen.

 

[aamsel]

Sorry, didn't mean to sound that negative, about 4 others have contacted me trying to sell direct.
I do appreciate all of your help, and am checking that site right now.
Andrew
Austin, TX

 

[stingygrrl]

depending on your time frame, the IBM T42p in 15" is to be announced in May and probably in the field over the summer. if money's no object, go IBM- you'l get a good video card in the T42p, and Dothan (Centrino v2) CPU.

I value customer service over a component any day.

 

[aamsel]

What IBM would be the closest to something I would want right now?
Thanks,
Andrew
Austin, TX

 

[stingygrrl]

I answered your PM twice but it's not showing in my history, so I don't know what's gone wrong
if money is truly no object as you say, IBM has 3 models that you migh tlike. The MSRP is $2800+. You can probably get them down by 10% maybe more.
go over to IBM.com and look at the T series, view all models and look at the ones with the radeon 9000 and other 2 have 128MB fireGL. CPUs are pemtium M 1.7, 60 GB 7200 RPM HDs

14" screens
5 lbs

 

[aamsel]

Thanks, I will check them out.
You are right, I never received a pm from you.
Andrew
Austin, TX