IMHO, if you really need a laptop, get it, your needs won't wait right. if you CAN WAIT, then do so. Vista, while promisng alot still like all OSes has to settle down and prove it in time. There's really no rush to get just because its a new OS, that alone and any related s/w to use it fully will take time. Vista like OSes before it, usually has some basic requirements that h/w has to meet, see what they are. But since it isn't out yet fully, then that's a miute issue. In mosts cases it will be a step-up for h/w to make the OS shine. Since, you're talking laptop, that maybe an issue as laptop generally don't upgrade too well in all areas, thus you could get stuck.
enjoy -----Willy 
i was thinking on buying a new laptop. the thing is windows vista is realesed next year. now, is waiting worth it?
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