There are a lot of posts on these forums for all 3 so check them out (in the past 2-3 months).
1) The only reason to buy the Dell 8600 is if you insist on a Pentium M (Centrino) notebook with a 128mb dedicated ATI 9700 video card option (needed for the most state of the art new PC game releases) or the fastest 7200rpm Hitachi Hard drive option (much faster than 5400 rpm drives or 4200 rpm hard drives standard in the other 2). However, the Dell 8600 case was not made for a Pentium M cpu so it is too thick and heavy (6.9 pounds) and its keyboard response is also the worst of the 3 (but you can't try it of course unless you have a friend as you can only order Dells Custom).
2) If you insist on ordering prebuilt and want all the equipment the Toshiba M35S456 has (Trubrite LCD, multiformat DVD burner --64mb dedicated RAM, 80gb 4200 hard drive), etc -- buy it .. they are selling these out (the add this week for Compusa stated it was closeout so only models left could be sold) so get one immediately if you want this.
3) If you don't need a DVD burner (satisfied with a CD-RW/DVD ROM as many people are in a notebook) or if you want to order custom and save money as well get the HPZT3000 series online at hpshopping. (I have the sister Compaq X1000 series and you can compare those as well at the same website). The HPZT3380 is equipped very similar to the Toshiba M35S456 (same Pentium M 1.7 735 cpu, 64mb dedicated video, 80gb hard drive 4200, 512gb RAM, etc) but it does not have a multiformat DVD burner (only DVD+) and it does not the Trubrite XGA LCD equivalent (HP is called Briteview)
However, if you order custom online not only can you get the HP Briteview LCD, you can order a 5400rpm hard drive (50% faster seek time), a multiformat DVD burner in 2 speeds, and other options for less ($100 custom order mail in rebate on any HP or Compaq custom order notebook through 12/1/04). Go to X1000forums.com(dedicated site for sister machines Compaq X1000, HP ZT3000 and business HPnx7000) for all the information you need regarding discounts (including 6% student APP discount) and coupons and the ideal ordering specification.
The HPZT3380US again is only ideal if you are satisfied with a DVD+ burner only and you do not want the brighter LCD option (Briteview) you can get on the Toshiba prebuilt or HP custom order.
Note also that you can get 1 year no interest financing from HPshopping if the cost is an issue (if you won't pay off your credit card immediately and incur interest charges).
Again, eliminate the Dell 8600 if you don't insist on 128mb dedicated video graphics and the 7200rpm hard drive option.
The HP and Toshiba both should be purchased with the 64mb dedicated video (and both prebuilt models have that).
Another option you can get at HP custom is internal bluetooth.
I have narrowed down my search to 3.
Dell 8600
Toshibal M35S456
HP ZT3380us
The last 2 are available at a local Circuit City, the HP is $1949 with a $300 rebate.
Toshiba is $1899 with a $200 rebate.
They both have the 12 months no interest option also.
Dell is around $1765.
Both the HP and Toshiba are configured the same.
Dell is configured as close to the other 2 as I could make it.
I will be using this as a desktop replacement, occasionally to travel (less than 5 times per year)
I am leaning towards the Toshiba.
Any suggestions?

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