Many notebooks now use a SVGA video output instead of a composite (yellow) video jack as SVGA has a superior signal (especially for DVD) but it is still not as good as component video (3 jacks) or DVI. Most notebooks don't have the separate white (left) and red (white) composite audio jacks but you just use the headphone jack and get a male 2.5mm to 2 male composite cables adaptor at Radio shack (some notebooks have a digital audio output jack).
You really have to decide what size of notebook you really want to carry. If you get a 15.4" widescreen notebook the movies already look outstanding on that.
The other critical decision is most smaller and lighter notebooks only have integrated (shared)video memory (which also decreases your available system RAM) while notebooks in the 5.5 pound range and higher (my Compaq X1000 series/HPZT3000 series 15.4" Pentium M Centrino is 6.5 pounds) have dedicated video which makes it able to play more games and higher end graphics programs.
HP just came out with a light weight Centrino model with a 14.1" screen (DV1000) that has a remote control built into the PC card slot and also can play DVD's and CD's without booting the system (so battery life is much longer --you can play at least 2 DVD movies this way without recharging). This notebook does have shared video memory though. See hpshopping.com -- this model just came out 2 weeks ago. You can get a $100 custom order rebate through 12/1/04 on any HP or Compaq notebook (not on order screen where it is $50 -- see mail in rebates link on hpshopping homepage).
Looking for a very compact laptop that I can travel with. I'm an Air Force pilot so I was looking at a panasonic toughbook w/ 10.4 inch screen for its 'toughness'. At home I would like to plug it into a nice large flat screen and fullsize keyboard but on the road I would like to be able to plug it into a TV for movie watching. (My current Toshiba Satelite [about 3 yrs old] has a wire that can plug into VGA ports on a TV). Other than not to many other requirements other than the DVD/CDRW and being reliable.
Any Suggestions???
Thanks

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic