thanks all for the input... still undecided! :-D I think I'm edging towards an Acer I saw in pcworld (I like the change to get to be hands on with the keys etc) but who knows - will let you know what I decide!
BTW the Toshiba that you suggested Baz was on my list.
Clive - that company looks quite swish, but I can't be arsed to go down to Bristol :-D