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As far as the D6xx series, we've been happy with our experiences using them for the last couple of years. Prior to then, we exclusively used IBM ThinkPads. The D610 for example, has the perfect weight for it's size, works as desktop replacement, has a great keyboard and screen, offers touchpoint and touchpad, has great wireless options/bluetooth/ev-do, and is reasonably priced.

Dell does sell widescreen models if you buy their non-business line. Sony also has a great widescreen model, but it's also a home laptop.

An HD DVD drive for sale before they're generally available? And for almost 1/5th the price? Did this fall off the truck somewhere?

I'm be careful on this one. Even though I would love to have an HD DVD drive, how are you really going to verify that it's a working HD DVD drive?

When the fanboy sites first started appearing, I thought the concept of isolating articles pertaining to individual platforms in their respective areas was a great idea, and it still is. My only concern was the naming. I've never been particular fond of the term 'fanboy' and would never use that term towards anyone. Instead, I would have extended the Joystiq brand and put the platform name in front. PS3.Joystiq.com, Xbox360.Joystiq.com, etc etc. Joystiq itself would then pull what they thought was the best content from each, in addition to providing their own, in essence being the main hub for all gaming.

Personally, I visit the fanboy sites and quicky read the articles, but the bulk of my contributions occur at Joystiq.

Not to get too far off topic here, regarding innovation, check out Loco Roco for the PSP which recently made an appearance at GDC 2006. It's pretty unique and highly addictive.

Regarding the Offset engine, you might be confusing Factor 5 with Red 5. Red 5 is the new independant developer culminated from those who worked on World of Warcraft, among others. They're creating a new MMO using the Offset engine.

Factor 5 on the otherhand, previously developed games exclusively for Nintendo and is now branching out to the PS3 with Lair. They're notable for making the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron series.

Actually you don't need a high speed connection to download movies. Look at MovieBeam which transmits movies wirelessly.

It looks like it belongs in a medical office.

As far as the name Vista is concerned, it was on many products long before Microsoft-- which I question to this day, why they choose THAT name. It's also a 3270 emulation application.

Right now the price is unappealing to consumers, but this will likely appeal to businesses more. We can't wait to get our hands on these units for a wireless application that requires portability, where a PDA is too small but a laptop is too large.

A factor missing in the equation is development costs. It's not like they slapped it together and said, okay this cost us $310. There's millions of dollars in costs before the 360 even hits the market.

But I certainly believe Microsoft learned their lesson with the Xbox and made adjustments this time around. There's no doubt in my mind they'll be poised to recover costs sooner. They're getting a piece of all accessory sales. There's licensing and software, where the real money is generated. And now they have micro-transactions and xbox live arcade sales.

This is the one area where Sony is most vulnerable. If Microsoft didn't lower the cost of the 360 by the time the PS3 is released, they're missing a HUGE opportunity. I'm thinking new bundle (SKU) by that time too.

The Latitude line is for businesses looking for standardization and minimal changes between refreshes. If you're looking for cutting edge models, Dell has a separate line for that too.