[TGB!]

If youre looking for a workhorse computer, that you dont have to pay a premium on for the price - invest in a ThinkPad.

I have a Z60T (and am thinking of upgrading to a Z61T), and its a solid machine. It weighs about the same as a MAC, has widescreen, and is manufactured by the BMW of PC's - IBM/Lenovo. One of the best features of ThinkPads is the ThinkVantage suite of software which covers you in case ANYTHING goes tits up on your machine. Installed on a hidden partition are Rescue And Recovery tools that, should anything happen, allow you to get into your machine, without booting into windows. I only had to use it once, when I wanted a fresh install of the laptop (bought mine off Ebay).

ThinkPads also have an incredibly solid warranty system, where really you can tell them anything, and so long as you are under your 3-yr warranty, youll get a replacement part, or next day service.

With your budget, if you were going for a MAC, I would look at an X60. They arent widescreen, but they are SUPERLIGHT (2LBS), core-duo, and have one of the most comfortable keyboards to type on. Nice bright screens (no TrueBrite™ though) and the above mentioned ThinkVantage software. It also does away with the trackpad, which seems jarring at first, but once you use the track-point, youll wonder how youve ever used a trackpad in the first place.

I definitely recommend checking out an IBM retailer or a Home Depot for the above two mentioned laps.

If you want any pictures - let me know.