I predict you will be unhappy with notebooks given your writings. There is a model noted in this forum with 128M video ram, but even that will not play games well.
Your post didn't really dive into "games", but the 128M note is a giveaway. Gamers tend to get very irate over games on laptops. If its not the video, then it's LCD smearing. If not that, then the hard disk is slower.
If you were to run just what you listed on a new laptop near topend laptop, it may equal what you have now. But again, the outlook is grim.
Bob
I think I have decided to go with a desktop replacement instead of buying a new desktop because I am tired of dealing with multiple computers. But I am a "power-user" and I am concerned that I will not have the power I need, or that the notebook will overheat with the demands I place on it. I am looking into a notebook that has at least 1gb ram, 128mb graphics, and at least a 60gb hard drive.
I often run at least 10 apps at a time, for example, PainShopPro, Word, Excel, Access, Windows Explorer, Outlook, multiple instances of FrontPage, and multiple browser windows all at the same time. I do a lot of graphics work (so within PSP I have multiple files open at once), I manage several Access databases, and I manage several websites on a daily basis.
I currently have a Dell Dimension 8100 P4 1.4 with 256mb ram and a 32mb graphics card (which of course at the time was the best you could buy!) But now I often run out of system memory and my video graphics capacity seems quite insufficient.
I am confused though, about my need for video graphics... everything I read states it is only for "gaming" - well I am not a gamer, but I sure do a lot of graphics work. In addition to the graphics work I do for the websites I support, I also create 3D game characters for some popular commercial games. I am assuming that I need at least 128mb of dedicated video memory, but maybe its just more system memory that I need???
For example, If I got a laptop with 2gb of system ram and integrated video graphics, would the video take 128mb or more from the system memory if needed?
Regarding the hard drive, I see some have options of 60gb@7200rpm - does this faster drive create more heat? Am I better off getting a slower drive in an effort to keep the system cool? Is there a huge difference in the performance of 5400rpm vs 7200rpm drive? What else do I need to be worried about regarding overheating?
I don't think I am as concerned about processor speed - in the past my experience has been that processor speed had the least impact on performance and that system memory and video memory were more important. I was thinking about getting a 7XXm processor and wondered if the 715M would be fast enough for the work I do. My understanding is that the slower processors produce less heat, as well. How would the 715M compare the the P4 1.4 I am currently running on my desktop?
Finally, does notebook display cause heat problems? I am also contemplating a notebook with a 17" screen OR a smaller notebook display with a freestanding 17" flat panel on my desk. Would this impact the notebook performance?
Sorry for the length here - just so many questions!!!
Jill

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic