This is the last time I will solicit computer advice from you dear reader ... at least for (hopefully) the next few years.

I have put it off far too long, but my poor Compaq 5360 needs to be laid to rest. The final straw came this weekend when I realized it wasn't even compatible with a simple 2GB USB Flash drive. It has served me long and well, and to be honest I am amazed it has kept chugging along for this long, but it's time for me to join the post-Windows98 crowd when it comes to computing from my home.

So I have decided my next computer will be a laptop that will also serve all the needs met by my old desktop. Memory-wise this is no mean feat since the upper-end iPod Nano now has as much memory as my trusty old desktop. But, I want to make sure that what I get will stay serviceable for the next few years as well, so I've kept my eye on minimum specs of at least 1GB (preferably 2GB) memory and a pretty fast processor that won't drain my battery when I go mobile. And mobility ... it needs to be WiFi ready.

I really want a MacBook, but right now I honestly just can't afford one that will perform the way I want it to. So I've been searching around and have found a few that have caught me eye. One is the HP dv8301nr, but I'm skittish about HP ... and I'm not sure it's quite the powerhouse I'm looking for. The one I'm most leaning towards is the Sony VAIO® VGN-FE770G.

So what I need from you is this: Are either of the two above good, solid choices? Is Sony a dependable brand when it comes to laptops? Am I spending my money wisely? YOU can make a difference by casting your vote, erm, I mean, voicing your opinion.

Anyway, please give me whatever feedback you can muster ASAP since I plan on making the big purchase in the next day or two. As a sub-topic, if you are so inclined, what can I expect to have to buy in order to outfit my little abode for WiFi use? Is it a simple transition or am I going to have to bribe my little brother's super-computer savvy friend with free beer in order to get me hooked up?

Let me know!

As a thank your for helping me out, please accept this track of the forthcoming Beck album as a token of my appreciation. The bridge in this tune is glorious and I only wish it was longer.

Beck "Think I'm In Love"