It sounds like you have a nice PC setup. The only thing I don't like about the Inspiron 9400 is it doesn't have the pointing stick in the keyboard. I have a Latitude D820 that I love, with a Centrino Duo.

As far as the Bloatware, I just always get the XP CD when I order, as soon as it gets out of the box the XP cd goes in and I reformat the drive and install XP, no bloatware at all, and I get the most updated drivers.

This is my 5th Dell laptop, and by far the best one I have had. Be sure to get the best screen possible.

Brian