My teacher has this notebook and never had a problem with it.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?series_name=ze4500_series&catLevel=2&category=notebooks/hp_pavilion&storeName=computer_store
I have this computer and it is fast and easy to use. Both of them are under $1,000

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic