Would like to buy a laptop pc soon but have NO experience with one, nor
do I know of anybody to consult with. Would also like for this to be an
'educated' purchase and have the laptop fit specific needs.

To those with experience:

1. Where can I go to find more information on 'how to make an
intelligent decision buying a laptop pc'?

2. Where can I go to find information on consumer satisfaction (and
service record) of the major brands (important, don't want it breaking
down overseas)

And please, no canned responses like GOOGLE (bla bla bla), I use google
so much the hotkey for it is worn! If there are SPECIFIC web links or
forums, or NG's etc. you know of and would recommend I would appreciate
them!

Thanks
Vic