The key thing to look for if you want the notebook to do more things (especially some games or other intensive video work) is to make sure the laptop you are looking at uses dedicated video memory (ATI or Nvidia video card) instead of just integrated video graphics (only a chip on the motherboard like Intel Extreme graphics).
The Toshiba M35S456 (Pentium M) for example has 64mb of video ram dedicated.
Many cheaper desktops also only come with integrated video but you can easily upgrade a desktop by buying an ATI or Nvidia card yourself at any quality retail store.
But, you can't do this with a notebook.
Not only does integrated video run slower the amount of memory it states it uses (64mb for example) is shared --meaning it subtracts from your system RAM and thus you have less of that also to use with everything else.
32mb of dedicated video is the practical minimum (I have this), 64mb is better (about $50 more if available) and 128mb is available only on some higher end notebooks that have the new ATI 9600/9700 video card or equivalant. The Dell 8600, for example has this as an option.
But 32mb or 64mb is fine for most people (Dedicated).
Check and see what the video specs of the A75 series are but many of the Toshiba systems below the M35 series in price (under $1500) do not have dedicated video memory.
I am looking at buying this laptop.... you can see it at CompUSA. I originally wanted Centrium tech. but this one seems really good and I don't travel with my laptop that frequently. Any thoughts..... do you think this is a good computer and if you don't travel a lot, do you suggest Pent4 over PM?
Thanks a lot! 
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