I'd add my vote to the SSD suggestion - regardless of the machine. Prices seem to be coming down all the time. 256GB not that expensive. The machine I have actually has 2 500GB drives and I'm hoping to find time to rip one out and replace it with a SSD drive.

>Thanks Thomas, not sure about build quality with Asus, I have one of their tablets and a year down the road things are starting to rattle and creak but Fujitsu sounds appealing as I've only ever had a camera from them ( which was good )
>
>>Hi all, I'm in the market for a new development laptop and would welcome any recommendations, usual requirements must run VS and SS at a reasonable pace , loads of RAM etc etc..., I always end up buying a Dell but am willing to change
>>
>>make sure it has SSD on board - either in separate bay, which often means 17' if you want DVD on board.
>>USB3 is nice as well - E-SATA and Firewire did not succeed.
>>
>>I have been lucky with Fujitsu, friends switched from Dell to Asus.
>>Kid wanted a Sony - sleek exterior but still solid build, but IMO not worth the price hike.
>>
>>regards
>>
>>thomas