Help! I need a new laptop!

[Nellisir]

I'm starting grad school in a few weeks, and I need a new laptop computer. The department (landscape architecture) doesn't have any requirements for a computer, but I expect to be using at least a few graphics-oriented programs (AutoCAD, etc). My current laptop is about 5 years old and can barely run Sketch-up.
My preference is for a PC running XP, but only because my current laptop and desktops all run XP.

What should I be looking for re: graphics and power? Suggestions on brands? Other advice?

Thanks!

 

[drothgery]

The big questions on laptops are

What software do you expect to run?

What's your budget?

How important is portability?

 

[Nellisir]

The big questions on laptops are
What software do you expect to run?
What's your budget?
How important is portability?

Unknown. No games, since I don't play games. AutoCAD.

Let's say $1,000 maximum. For now.

Eh. Not very. I mean, it has to be a laptop, but I'd like a widescreen, or at least a wider screen.

 

[gariig]

If you have a Dell EPP account (I think students do) this is a pretty awesome deal on a Dell laptop.

Actually the deal is dead. However, check slickdeals.net there is usually a laptop deal posted a couple times a week.