Do you really need 64 bit? My HP laptop is 64 bit (Vista, ugh) and I have almost no software, except IE explorer, which I don't use unless I have to, that runs 64 bit. My browser is firefox, which is 32 bit.

What I have found is the software and hardware that will run on DW's 32 bit Vista machine will not run on my 64 bit laptop, even though MS web site says it is compatible. (And I tried the various compatibility modes.) No one knows why. I've worked around most of the problems, but now I have a useless flatbed scanner (unless I beg time on DW's computer). MS Office 2000 would not reliably run, despite also being listed as compatible. I did not like the latest Office version due to having to learn a new man-machine interface and shell out more $$$ that are in very short supply right now. I switched to the free Openoffice.org, which runs fine, but is also 32 bit.

So, I would check carefully that your software and hardware will actually work on the new machine. Don't rely on claims. Go on the net and see if people are having problems. Upgrading the software just to make the new computer function is a cost that has to be considered.

As to HP, I found the HP installed 'freeware' to be problematic because it kept crashing, and have un-installed most of it.

I bought the HP laptop due to the death of my cherished Toshiba XP machine, the immediate need for a new laptop for work, and the super low price of this HP. IMO, it wasn't worth it.

If I had it to do over again, I would get something built locally to my spec with XP (if possible). I have no experience with Windows 7, but once burnt . . .etc. The other alternative I would consider is biting the bullet and going MAC, especially if you are doing video editing.