My HP zt1180 seemed to have died suddenly. The guys at Best Buy want me to get a Compaq presario V2414NR but I hate the little monitor. It's the same width (12") but a couple of inches shorter in that 'widescreen' format all of the new laptops seem to have. One of my major uses for my laptop is with a GPS in my car so the smaller screen will be a disadvantage I believe. The monitor doesn't seem as sharp as the HP zt1180 either. I also use the laptop for quilt design so bigger (not wider) is better.
Are there any new, laptops that still have that old style (9" x 12") format? Any other monitor features I should be aware of or looking for to make it more visible in bright daylight?
I'd like to get something for no more than $1000. if possible although I would be willing to pay a bit more if I found really useful features.

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