Successor to the v2600 (v2000z)?

I've been using a Compaq v2600 for almost two years now. It's easily been one of the best computers that I've ever owned, but I've recently been looking for a computer to replace it. The problem is, I can't seem to find a laptop that doesn't drive me crazy to replace it.

I originally picked up a cheap Acer 14in with decent specs. It died within 20 minutes of me turning it on for the first time, due to harddrive issues. Beside the system problems, the design was fairly unattractive, and the unit was heavy.

More recently, I picked up a Compaq F750US from a staples deal. It's running Windows Vista on an Athlon X2 TK-57 with nvidia integrated graphics. It's a 15in screen, so it's larger than I'm accustomed to. On top of this, Vista is sluggish with the 1gig of ram installed. I know I could install XP, but people have been saying they've had a lot of trouble getting XP to play nice with all of the newer hardware in there.
Another thing I just noticed, is that the speakers are dismal compared to my v2600; they have no bass whatsoever. Finally, the design just isn't as nice as the old one.

Am I doomed to be dissatisfied with any laptop I buy from here on out. The v2600 was a budget laptop, but was it a fluke as far as build quality goes? Does anyone know of something reasonably priced in the current generation, (from any manufacturer) that might convince me to retire my laptop?

Too Long; Didn't Read Version: My old v2600/v2000z laptop was way awesome and every one I've tried since has let me down. Is there anything comparable that doesn't cost ridiculous amounts of money.

 

The direct successor for the V2000z would be the Compaq V3000z(and its HP twin dv2000z) which was on sale from Aug 2006 till around June last year. Ofcourse the Compaq versions are no longer sold through HP.com and neither is the dv2000z/dv2500/dv2700z. The dv2700z's are only available as pre-configured models through retail outlets. The Intel based version dv2700t is still being sold on HP's website. These are the direct successors to the the v2000z seires in terms of price/features. There are also couple of 14" business models like the 6910b, 6515p & the 6510b - would cost a bit more than the consumer versions but you do get better build and metal chassis parts.

Other 14" screen notebooks include the Dell Inspiron 1420 and its Vostro twin 1400, both are a bit thicker than the current gen HP's but still within acceptable limits. Depending on your budget, the 14" Thinkpad T61 or the R61could also be decent units.

If you want good speakers, consider Toshiba's. Relatively speaking they produce pretty good sound and you can select(optional) better Harmon kardons on some fo the customizable models. Unfortunately for HP, they stopped using the JBL/HK speaker setup and replaced with some cheap junk.