Need Laptop purchase advice

[Twinmaples Video]

I am wanting to buy a laptop so I can upgrade from Edius 2.0 at home (I know, I know, that's old!) HP apparently doesn't offer Windows XP, but I think I'm willing to chance it. Here is a HP I found for about $2,400:
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HP dv9500t
Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
Core2 Duo processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Display 17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition Ultra HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
Memory 2GB DDR2 System Memory
Graphics Card 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth
Hard Drive 240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
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I have 4 questions (Maybe more later):
1. It seems that Dell is more prevalent. Why?
2. I'm just editing SD now; will this laptop work well?
3. How will it work with HQ?
4. What holes do you see in this configuration?

Thank you for your help! I'm hoping to buy a laptop soon.

Jim

[Blast1]

Before you buy a preconfigured notebook 9500t, check out configuring one yourself like at Costco's web site, you can get a faster processor for less,
http://www.costco.com/Service/Featur...hse=BC&topnav=

[Rusty]

This setup should work fine for basic HDV edits and a decient buy for <$1,500.00. Nice to see the free upgrades for HD and DVD.

I'd stay with 32 bit OS for now, who knows how Edius will behave.
You may be throwing out all your printers if you go Vista too.

I'd want 512mb video for Vitascene.

[JPowell]

I would opt for the WUXGA High-Definition display. Never hurts to have more screen real estate for programs, and it's nice to be able to look at something like an HD-resolution graphic at 1:1 pixels in Photoshop if you need to...

[Twinmaples Video]

Thanks to all for your input.

Jim