text: I recommend intel CPUs if you want them for watching dvds, they are still simply the best rated internationally by IEEE and multiple other organizations, especially for media.  BUT stear clear of celuron processors they are the cheap version of pentium and you will regret it if you don't pay the extra for pentium.  \n\nIn regards to the laptop, acer is a very good brand, rated up there among the best along with toshiba and others.  Steer clear of sony and dell they are not that great and you pay too much for name.  \n\nI do however recommend that if you are considering a major purchase such as this that you wait until windows vista comes out in the next few months and purchase a while after that to give some time for them to patch, etc.  The new windows will revolutionize many pc components capabilities.\nHope this helps