New Notebook by End of Summer: Any Suggestions?

I am a college engineering student that will be heading back to classes this fall. I desperately NEED a notebook with me this coming semester for simple applications like word processing, internet browsing, video and audio applications, and maybe SIMPLE gaming (nothing outrageous). I previously posted in the "What Notebook Should I Buy?" forum and someone suggested I investigate the Averatec 7170 or 7100 series notebookes. What are your thoughts on the comparisons between these notebooks and either a Dell E1705 (or the upcoming E1720) or an HP Pavilion dv9500t?

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1) What is your budget? < $1,500

2) What size notebook would you prefer? Personal preference is 17"+, I know they're the heaviest, I really don't mind.

3) What country are you buying this in? USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? Right now, my options appear to be Dell, HP, or Averatec, although if you have any other suggestions, I'm all ears!

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Word processing, internet browsing, video and audio applications, and maybe SIMPLE gaming (nothing outrageous).

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Occasional travel to various buildings on campus, but I don't mind the weight. Sturdiness is a factor, however.

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? I'm not much of a gamer, most applications aren't too graphic intensive. Most gaming is done randomly.

8) How many hours of battery life do you need? Obviously, the more the better. Not really a sticking point, since I'll usually have it plugged in.

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? Nope.

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc. I've only dealt with Windows XP, so either that or Windows Vista.

11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? Widescreen.

12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900 - I'm not very picky here, most resolutions will work perfectly fine for my applications.

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? Preferably glossy.

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Always a bonus, although it won't weigh on my decision.

15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? I need it by the end of August. Hopefully it will last at least 2+ years.

16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB? 100GB+

17) Do you need an optical drive? Definitely DVD-RW.
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i'd go for the hp dv9500t, looks helluva lot better and has all the new goodies

 

Did a lot of research . . . just ordered the HP 9500t . . . one of the lightest 17" out there . . . be sure when you log on www.hp.com and try to build your system that on the main page you register under the education link! You will get what's called an "APP" discount along with any further savings. You won't have to break your budget to get a nice machine . . . I did not order their $125 upgrade to 2GB, because for just $200 I can purchase 4GB online at another retailer which I am doing today. The APP discount allowed me to afford some additional upgrades.

 

Go to this link for step by step on getting the APP discount for HP

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=3766

 

Thanks rhetor! Anything else you found in your researching? Did you look into Averatecs or Dells at all?