Almost bought a new laptop

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For those (majority) that live in th US, HP has a really good sale. In fact I am getting a friend in NC to order me a new system.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/series/category/notebooks/dv5t_series/3/computer_store?

Enter code NB7676 to receive an additional $247 at the end of checkout.

I am customizing mine to carry an i5 processor, 1T Hd, 6 gb ram, backlit keyboard, etc, etc for $700 and change...

If you get on HP's mailing list you will find that like most manufacturers, they always have a sale. Some are promoted more publicly than others, getting on the mailing list gets you info on all of their sales. Most manufacturers are having big sales on their systems based on the first generation Intel i processors dumping them to make way for the 2nd generation units. Shop around and you can find bargains almost everywhere right now.
 
Steve I think you made an excellent choice with the Mac Book Pro. I had mine going on 3 years and recently purchased another solely dedicated for DJ work and music management. Next time let me know Fedex gets a pretty decent discount on them directly from the Mac store.
 
Saving a bit more is definitely worth it. Since I'm a gamer AND use my computer regularly for music producing programs I'd choose a Phenom II over a Intel any day.