I just bought my first laptop but it's not a mini since portability wasn't a big concern.
I got an HP G60-235 equipped with 3gb Ram,320gb HD,16" widescreen w/HDMI input,DVD burner w/Lightscribe and more and got it for $499.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218041998788
I also added as Belkin chill pad,Targus laptop backpack ($80 got it on sale for $50) and a Western Digital 500gb portable HD (only $120)
I had $300 in giftcards and still spent over $500 but this was my income tax return.
I've only got about 2.5hr battery life so it won't quite last on my plane trips to Florida but close.