Yeah, the IBM T-series are well-built, but they can be nightmares to configure and stuff.

I love my HP zd7000, but I know for a fact it is most certainly not the laptop for you, RD.

The D810 looks nice, but even with the smaller 15.4" widescreen, I'd be worried about Row 2-6 on the UA 757 with the seatback recline. My 17" LCD is not really any taller then the 15.4", and no way in hades I could open mine in 2D. It's not quite so bad in Rows 2 and 3 on the 737 and Airbusses, but it is still mighty tight. And even when I had my 15" 4:3 IBM, I had to balance the laptop on my tummy to get the screen to clear when the person in front of me was reclined. So now you understand why I love the bulkhead in First and Exit Row in Economy.

I like the Inspiron 700m, myself, since the 12.1" widescreen is nice for DVDs, yet is short enough to never have a worry about the seatback in front of you. It does have Intel Extreme(ly crappy) Graphics, however. You run CAD/CAM or just want to do a little Doom 3 when the paperwork is done?