I'm using Photoshop CS2 on my PC right now! (AIFG!)

The Wacom tablets have always been highly rated, but I haven't bought a new one in years.

Is yours Wacom, Jon? If it's lasted for years, that sounds like a pretty good recommendation.

Yeah it is, but it doesn't get heavy use.

I don't know that mine will, either, but I've been using a mouse with the version of PhotoShop that I have at work and I hate it. I figure once I get used to a tablet, I can take it in to work to use there. I mean, they're happy with what I produce now, but I'm not.

I'm in the market for a new PC laptop. I'll use it almost exclusively for writing and netsurfing, maybe keep personal financial records on it, so it doesn't need to be the fanciest computer on the market. In fact, it shouldn't be, because I don't want to spend too much on bells and whistles I have no intention of using.

My ideal laptop would be:

1. Fairly lightweight, because I'll be taking it when I travel and possibly to work.
2. Sturdy enough to hold up to travel and life in a house with a 4-year-old.
3. Possessed of good screen/image quality so I can use it for hours without eyestrain.

Also, I'd like to avoid the problem we keep having with our otherwise lovely Gateway laptop: the plug that attaches to the computer from the charger keeps developing a loose connection such that it will only stay plugged in and charging if you twist it just so and don't move too much when you're working with the computer in your lap. Which I do a lot, because I typically write on the couch with the computer either on my lap or perched on a pillow in front of me.

Any suggestions?

If that's all you're gonna use it for, have you considered one of the new tiny ones? This one will only be $299: [link]

Or maybe the Asus? [link]

Hmm. My only concern with one that small would be whether it would have a comfortable keyboard, because this will be my main computer.

The tiny ones all have USB ports you can attach a keyboard of your choice to. The one thing that would worry me about those is spending a lot of time with that tiny screen. You can plug in a full size screen at home. But if you will be doing a lot of composing on the road, I'd worry about serious lost productivity.

But as long as most of your heavy use is as home (and work where they can damn well supply you with a screen), and your use on the road is light use, then go with the tiny ones. Way I intend to go if my current computer dies (though I hope it doesn't, old but suits my needs).

I know I'm predictable on this, but I'd say look at a MacBook. Even if you just install windows on it. They have a great screen, tend to last a very long time, and the magsafe powerplug is one of the best things ever.