the problem is that i would like to do some work in the plane. my 15.4" widescreen isn't really the most comfortable thing to use especially if i don't get upgraded.

I've used several Dell and IBM laptops. Personally, I like the midsize laptop like the Dell D610 or IBM T43. These laptops weigh about 6 pounds, but you get complete functionality and a 14" screen. I've had the Dell D400 and X1 before, and they are usuable, but they are a bit too small for me.

I have the DV1240 but would opt for the DV1340 now with Bluetooth and Windows XP Pro. I am very satisfied with it and the weight is ideal without sacrificing features.

The QuickPlay feature is fantastic as you noted and the WIFI has worked perfectly in hotels, airports and even onboard SK flights.

I found an excellent computer sleeve in Tokyo as well that allows me to carry it in my carry on without separate computer case.

NOLA,

Could you tell us what type of bag you use? Sounds like what I need. My shoulder is not as strong as it used to be!

I use a predecessor of the Travelpro Wallstreet. It has served me well for 2-1/2 years of very heavy use and is only now beginning to show the early signs of wearing out.

I've got a Samsonite Business One computer case, that I bought at Best Buy but can be found at CompUSA as well. The bag can hold lots of stuff, including up to a 17" laptop (if necessary). In it, I carry:

-12" Powerbook G4 (1.25GB RAM, 100GB hard drive, builtin Bluetooth and wireless b/g, CD/DVD rewritable burner) in a Marware Sportfolio II neoprene bag
-Apple power adapter
-iGo Juice (w/auto, airline (Empower) adapters)
-Canon Powershot G6 w/ 2GB and 512MB CF memory cards in a Tamrac Digital 3 camera bag
-Canon battery charger
-USB cable
-USB a to b cable
-Firewire cable
-Ethernet cable
-phone modem cable
-Apple AV video cable
-Canon AV video cable
-Kensington airline (Empower) power cable
-APC/Kryptonite 5mm security cable
-Sony Ericsson fast charger
-Sony Ericsson LED flash
-Sony Ericsson LED flashlight
-headphone jack Y splitter
-Inflatable neck pillow
-Motorola BT headset charger
-RadTech BT mouse
-Slim 24 CD/DVD case
-Sandisk Micro 512MB USB pen drive
-Sandisk Mini 512MB pen drive

-change of clothes, spare toothbrush, toothpaste
-travel umbrella

-files, and a couple of work manuals

-Tylenol pill box
-Dramamine
-Small bottle of hand sanitizer
-Clorox antibacterial wipes
-Bandaids
-Orbit chewing gum
-Eclipse flash strips
-Post-It notepads, pens, hilighters
-2 pen flashlights
-Airline, hotel and rental car membership cards
-Checkbook
-Passport (not radar detector)
-Sunglasses
-Tiny ziplock bag full of quarters/loose change
-small pack of Kleenex

Occasionally-I�ll also carryon my Valentine One radar detector as well. ^

That�s why it�s over 40lbs. Call me nuts. I basically bring my office with me when I travel, and I am rarely without my bag.

I�ve actually had two. With the first one (which I had for a year), I wore down the wheels to the point where the rubber rubbed off completely and was rolling on plastic rims. I took about 60 trips with that one. I abused it. The 2nd one is 6mos old and seems to be holding up much better than the first. At the time, I bought the first one for $99-the 2nd for $49 (w/rebates).

I'm currently in the market for an "ultraportable"...at this point I've narrowed down to the Dell 700m and the Acer TravelMate 3002. I've pretty much always had Dells through work, so I feel pretty familiar with what the 700m must be. But the Acer intrigues me. Does anyone have experience with that or other Acer models (I've never had one).

I'd love a ThinkPad, but I'm not going to pay the $900 premium on them.

I use an IBM X31. The screen is a little small, but it's so much more convenient to travel with than a mid-size laptop.

For my money, the best price/value quotient for lightweight laptops falls to the various Fujitsu version of their S series. Their 24/7 support is tops. It usually only take 2-3 minutes to get a knowledgeable human bean on the line.

Whatever you end up with, be sure to account for shipping costs and sales tax when calculating the total cost.

Dell in particular really seems to hide some of the cost in their shipping fees I've seen them go as high as $100 for desktops.

Also, many companies put on partnership promos, where you get $100 off (rebate) of a printer with the purchase of a computer. I know Apple just about always has these types of special deals. They also don't charge for shipping.

good luck!

I've had my 700m for over a month now, and still pretty happy with it. I got it on a $750 off promo, PLUS free shipping, so I can't complain. I paid $767 plus tax. The 5 hour battery life is working out great on cross country flights, though I can run off aircraft power if I need to. I bought it primarily for TIVO To Go, as I needed something smaller for in flight and a larger hard drive (the 15 inch Toshiba wasn't the best for that).

I just ordered a Fujitsu P7010D, and I am drooling with anticipation for it to arrive. They have a special running on their web site that offers free shipping.

Support is not my primary concern, as I'm a computer geek by trade. I'm jealous of you tom911...if I'd been paying attention I'd have bought the 700m about 6 weeks ago (when the discount was available). Also jealous of your trip to Worlds...I've got a tri this weekend so I'm not going.

I used the Sony SRX77 (10") for over 2 years, and traded in for the Sony T270 this spring. This is a 10" WXGA. Do coast to coast on one battery. 60GB drive, rock solid W-LAN and Bluetooth, plenty of processor and memory for work (I do graphics). I am not a touch typist, so keyboard size is not an issue. It has a crisp, crisp crisp display -- I have it set at 1280x768, I wear bifocals and have NO problem using this. Doubles as a nice DVD player (built in CD&DVD burner. player) and is hardly any larger than the stand alone DVD players.

Best feature: size!! Fits into a small bag with room for other goodies (NR headsets, camera, PDA, cell, etc -- you know how it goes!), works on my lap, or on half an airline tray, even on Regional Jets and Turboprops where I spend half my life!. I went small when my 15" model's screen was literally snapped in half when the brute in the seat in front of me LAUNCHED his seat back into full recline and caught my laptop under the seatback's tray indent.

Not normally a fan of Sony for business computers, and this is my only Sony, but it is exactly right for the road warrior.

I have an IBM X40. I just picked it up a couple months ago for $1200 including an external USB powered DVD/CD-RW.

It's the best laptop I've ever owned. I couldn't be happier with it. The form factor is unbelievably small and light, the wi-fi reception is great, and unlike the Dell ultraportables, it actually feels very rugged.

It's not the fastest machine out there (1.1GHz) but I regularly do photoshop work and software development on it and it is more than adequate for those two tasks.

As long as you don't mind having the IBM "nipple" instead of the trackpad, you should find this to fit your needs.

I store mine in a regular backpack, and I have a zippered 8.5x11" leather binder (used for legal sized notepads!) that I use for padding.