>The most recent example: I am looking for a new laptop, my old HP is dying a slow death, presently in a coma, the video chip needs a "reflow" (i.e. heating up until the soldering points melt and hopefully catch again).

Take a look at the current Fujitsu Lifebook series: has the things I consider neccessary,
like non-glare screen and express card slot (giving it the "missing" USB3 connection
or other stuff at higher speed access) and 1 free mem slot at nearly consumer prices.

Bought the AH531 15.6 last year and just days ago a SH531 13.3 for kid...
works well enough and you can get 5 for the prices needed to get 3 "chique" ones...
Having 3 spare power units from the 17' old Amilo helped as well in the decision process ;-)

Has bloatware, but I have seen much worse cases. IAC they get linux to run VM's here.

my 0,02 EUR

thomas