Please help! First time buying a laptop...

[Shilly]

I figured that this would be the best place to go to seek advice for this, and I'm sure that you've seen this question a lot, so your help is really appreciated.

I'm looking into purchasing my first laptop. I have fairly current desktop, so I will be using the laptop for the following purposes:

1.) Playing four tables of poker + PT
2.) Watching DVDs when travelling
3.) Browsing the internet

I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer:

What screen resolution will I need to play four tables without significant overlap? (On my desktop monitor I have 1280 x 1024, and that overlap is tolerable)

What type of system specifications will I need to smoothly run the applications that I listed? Processor speed, RAM, cache size?

I currently have a DSL connection (no router) at home, and will most likely use cable internet when I move into my apartment in the fall. What sort of router will I need to buy to use wireless internet at home? At my apartment?

If I enter a zone that has WiFi, can my laptop connect without any attached devices?

Finally, how much do you think this will cost? Where is an inexpensive / reliable place to purchase the laptop?

Thanks in advance.

[Hoopster81]

I just bought this system a couple days ago from Dell, and I think it has pretty much everything you are looking for:

Inspiron 9300
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 750 (1.86 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB), Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition Qty: 1
Unit Price: $2,131.00
-Intel® Pentium® M Processor 750 (1.86 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB)
-17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™
-256MB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz 1 Dimm (Bought 1GB off NewEgg--cheaper)
-128MB ATIs™ Mobility Radeon™ X300
-60GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
-Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
-24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
-Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11 b/g, 54Mbps)
-6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (53 WHr)
-9-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery (80 WHr)

$2,131-
$750 - $50 =$1400 after tax