>I am thinking about getting a Notebook PC within a couple months and was wondering what recommendations anyone would have in regard to them. I like the Sony Vaios with the wide screens (17 inches wide). I also like some of the Dells.

According me brand is not so important.
All of them are made in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, etc.
For me is most important its tech data
We are in process of buying new NB
the ordered are with next
Chipset Intel 915GM
CPU Intel 760 (Centrino 2GHGz)
RAM 1GB DDR2
HDD SATA 80GB
WLAN 2915ABG
DVD-RW
15" TFT
Cost $1600