The more I write about gadgets and electronics, the more I realize how frequently my opinions can be wrong. Often times I base my ideas on sound analysis and statistics and I still end up wrong. That’s why I’m going to ask you all for help on something.

I’m currently in the market for a laptop. Discouraged by my past two lackluster Powerbooks, I’ve decided to stop using Apple portables and use PCs exclusively (all of my desktops are PC). Right now I’m kind of torn between the Thinkpad T60 Wide and the Alienware m5550.

I need something with a 15.4-inch screen that can do at least WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050). It can be massive, needs to be Core 2 Duo and sufficiently powerful for some intensive applications and has to get good battery life. The T60 Wide seems like the realistic winner at this point.

I’m about two days shy of ordering one, but I just wanted to ask you all if there is anything else that you’d recommend for about $2,000. Please explain your reasoning adequately.