Need Advise on Laptop Choice

[little-fish]

Hi guys,

I've been looking for an laptop to replace my current desktop (over 6 yrs old...sigh)
I've always use a desktop, but thinking switch to a laptop, so I can bring the laptop with me while travelling. Or maybe can use at a coffee shop. However, I heard there are certain types works at certain 'hotspots', is it true?

I mainly use my pc for: surf the net, check e-mails, d/l & listen music, maybe watch movie, Not a gamer. Personally, I like Sony's stylish look, but it is better than other 2?

I cam up with 3 models: They all have the same price of $799 (although Sony listed as $1099, but at check out, its $799)

1) Toshiba Satellite A210-MS7 15.4" AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-58 1.9GHz Laptop

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...gon=&langid=EN

2) Sony's VGNN385NB VAIO® N Series Notebook PC featuring Windows® Vista™ Business Edition

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/ser...h=32009n100349

3) Dell Inspiron Notebook 1521

http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/prod...dhs&~ck=anavml

Any advice on which one is a better choice? Or you have an alternatives?
Which one runs more "quietly", my current one is so noisy, u can hear the fan runs..

Please help !! Any comments is always welcome & appreciated
Many Thanks!

[The_Madz]

if you want quieter notebooks i would suggest something that uses an intel core 2 based cpu. simply because AMD in the entry level retail market are using older style cpu's build on 90nm technology whereas all core2's are 65nm. this means that the cpu's out of factory runs cooler, thereby requiring less cooling which means the fan wont turn on as much and your battery life will also be better.

[little-fish]

Madz, thanks for the advise.

Does anyone changing their OS back to Windows XP, seems most pc on the market nowadays are pre-configure with Vista, but heard they dont run as smoothly as XP?

Recommand with the extended warranty? or dont sign up for any warranty plan?