I've done a little shopping around, and come up with the Vostro 1700. With some minor customization (smaller HD, better Wi-Fi card) it's priced at $763+tax for the following:

-Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5670 (1.8GHz/800MHz FSB/2MB cache)
-Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2
-17.0 inch Wide Screen XGA+ LCD Display with TrueLife™
-2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
-8X CD/DVD+RW Read and Burn CD and DVD
-128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS
-120GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
-Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Internal-card
-Integrated High Definition Audio
-56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
-Microsoft® Works 9. Does NOT Include MS Word
-No Pre-installed Anti-Virus/Security Software
-Free Microsoft Office Live Small Business
-Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
-Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

I haven't been able to find anything else with a 17" display, for comparable price, and NOTHING with XP at ANY price regardless of size (I sure as HELL ain't going with Vista). I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with Dell, and can tell me if this would be considered a 'good buy'.

 

i like dell laptops. a 1.82GHz Duo Core? thats a little old.. mines old and its a 2.82GHz Dual-Core AMD.

 

I have come to conclusion that all computers are equally ty. Some laptops are better designed than others. The dell vostro laptops are heavier than comparable models. I would check some models out a best buy\frys and then shop around online once you find a model you like.

Something to take into consideration is that laptops have thousands of different configurations and models, but most laptops are designed in a series that is used for anywhere from 6 months to a year. Find a series of laptop that you like and pick a good configuration.