Dick n Marie,
You have the greatest resource at your fingertips, your current computer and search engines on the internet. When Al was shopping for my latest laptop he did ALL his research on the internet, he searched notebook user groups, store sites for pricing. There are also "reviews" on line. Al studied the notebook user groups the most, and felt that just like here (MOC) that reading what people who really were using the computers were the best indication of what to expect, good and bad.
http://www.notebookreview.com/forums/default.asp
Try that, He says they talk about Dell there, as well as a BUNCH of other kinds.
Good luck in your shopping and future RVING
Carol