Advice sought on my new laptop (for audio) - FAQ completed

Hello all,

I've currently got a HP Compaq nx8220 and I've been very happy with this but it's starting to show its age.

I've spent a bit of time thinking about my new laptop. I've been considering laptops with specs such as the Dell XPS1530 or the HP HDX16 or even 18t (for a while I even considered MacBook Pro - but these seem very pricey since the recent update and having migrated from Apple ~5years ago I'm unwilling to swap platforms again).

I've filled out the FAQ below. A final question is should I wait? - is a new technology just around the corner. eg: I have seen mobile quad-core CPUs mentioned recently. I know it's always easy to say this but if we're about to witness a step change in laptop technology I'd be happy to wait for a couple more months.

Many thanks in advance to all those who respond.

1_What is your budget?
I'm in the UK, around £1,000

2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
I currently have 15.4" - I would consider larger if necessary to get screen resolution.

My current laptop has 1680x1024 resolution, I've noticed that it's harder to get this resolution on a 15.4" these days

3_What screen resolution do you want?
At least 1680x1024. I have been considering HP HDX16 (or even 18t).

4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
The more portable the better, but portability isn't the major concern as the laptop will replace my desktop and not be carried about very often. I am willing to endure the occasional sore back for a better spec!! I'm even vaguely considering a 18" model!

5_How much battery life do you need?
3hrs + would be ideal. No less than 2hrs.

6_Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
I don't play games but high performance is a major requirement. Graphics performance is less important (esp 3D)

7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing, surfing the web, playing music, watching movies, Etc.)
I produce music with Audio software. I actually run my current laptop in dual boot both XP. The audio partition NEVER goes on the internet. I have disabled most un-required services to increase performance, including networking.

High spec is a must to get the most performance out of my music software. I'm hoping to see a huge improvement on my current laptop, a single core ~2ghz (750M I believe)

8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
The more the better. >200GB. I've seen some laptops with 500GB - this is very appealing. Tradionally 7200RPM hard drives were recommended for Audio, but as I also use external Firewire / eSata drives this is less important.

9_If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post the links to them.
Being in the UK I believe (wrongly?) that my choices are slightly limited vs USA (for example).

I have used dabs.com many times in the past, and have been pleased by their service.

10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?
~3 years

11_If you would like to mention some other things about purchasing your ideal laptop, post them.
* I require Firewire (FW400 and 800 if possible).
* eSata would be a bonus
* at least 4GB memory (I don't mind upgrading this myself)
* Win XP preferably (I don't mind installing this myself)

12_Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
I'll bow to the collective wisdom here on this point

13_What country do you live in?
UK