No, you can not use a wi-fi router for wireless internet with a dial up connection (only DSL or cable internet). SBC out west has DSL now for $26.95 a month for a 1 year internet sign up and even for $19.95 if you order it as part of a long distance package. So, at least in SBC areas, there is not reason not to go to DSL (especially if you are paying $20 or more for Dial up).

As far as your needs you may want to go to 1gb RAM but 512mb RAM is enough for many on Windows XP. Most notebooks only have 2 RAM Slots so your best bet is to order 512mb 1 stick only and then you can get your own 512mb 200 pin RAM stick later for less to put into the vacant 2nd slot -- if you get 256x2 = 512mb you are full and stuck.

If you can get a Toshiba M30 online with a dedicated video card then it is a good notebook but most retail models (at least in the US) like M35X's have only shared video memory. You should get 64mb dedicated video as you cannot add it later and you will regret it is you have a need for dedicated video (video editing or gaming) and don't have it. You cannot upgrade it later like on a desktop or like you can add RAM or upgrade the hard drive easily.

Finally, Consumer Reports and PC Magazine have Toshiba Service mid-pack about the same as Dell and HP/Compaq. Sony is dead last (by over a full point) for major companies. IBM is #1 for PC notebooks and Apple is #1 overall.

I would recommend you to look at the HPZT3000/Compaq X1000 I have (X1000forums.com) or the Dell 8600 but you have discounted that (all have 15.4" widescreen Pentium M).

Note that Toshiba A75's recently have a serious static issue (supposedly a speaker problem shuts them down) and also I have read posts in the past that Toshiba rarely will give you a replacement notebook if you have a lemon.

HP/Compaq and Dell service at the consumer level is overseas mostly and it is a pain but HP service is in Milpitas, CA and they will give you a replacement model if you have a lemon.

In fact, see the post from someone today who just got that done on a HPzv5000 (Athlon 64 model).

Keep in mind that Toshiba has a solid reputation with its business Techra line (and my wife used one for years with no incident as a tax accountant) but the Satelite series seems to have some issues and some notebooks have heat issues as well (including the M35 series in the past at least with a dedicated video card -- check around the touchpad area)