Miscellaneous laptop discussions : ??s RE Notebook buying and graphics/video options

??s RE Notebook buying and graphics/video options

I am looking to purchase a notebook and I am having some problems finding a model that has the specs and price I'm looking for. Specifically, I want to avoid settling for the Intel integrated graphics accelerator 900, and get a decent ATI or nVIDEA graphics card instead, but it seems that almost all the systems I look at or try to configure online that fit my desired specs in other ways lack in this instance. For instance, I was looking at a Dell Inspiron 6000 or a Gateway m250 or hp's dv4000 and dv1000-series, and they all suffer this lack.

I was wondering: if I buy a system that comes with the integrated intel card, is it possible to buy a graphics card separately online and install it? I don't really understand these things, but do I need for the laptop to come with a free AGP slot in order for this to be possible?

Otherwise,in case anyone is interested in suggesting a notebook that would fit my desires, here's what I'm looking for. The search has been rather frustrating, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

--Pentium M, 1.6 GHz or faster (preferably 1.7)

--Screen: hopefully a 14'' or (less preferably) 15.4'' WideXGA that looks nice; Brightview or whatever option a plus!

--necessarily at or under 7 lbs; preferably under 6

--XP Pro

--80 GB HD, hopefully 5400 rpm or more (would settle for 60 GB if the rest of the system was right)

--512MB or 1 GB (as much as I can afford) of SDRAM, 400 mhz or faster, preferably DDR2

--Decent graphics processing capabilities: I'm not a hardcore gamer, but play enough games and watch/edit enough video/pictures that I think I would be unsatisfied with the integrated Intel card

--DVD burner. dual-layer unnecessary

--MS office student edition or equivalent; I don't mind buying and installing if it doesn't come on the system and have found it for $125 online

--Decent battery life; 3.5 hrs min; willing to pay a little extra/ add a little weight for larger battery if available

--802.11b/g wireless

--USB and firewire ports, pci slot, s-video out a plus, headphones/mic

--decent warranty, at least 2 yr

I really can't pay more than 1850 for ALL of this and would hope to get it for less, obviously!

Any suggestions appreciated!! Thanx!!