Mad,

Toshiba Tecra A7
ComputerWorld: $1794.00

or [both are good]:
Toshiba Tecra A8 Notebook [check review here:http://www.mobilised.com.au/content/view/579/77/
Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83G, 80GB, 15.4"WXGA, DL-DV...
Sale Price: $1795.00 [Computerworld]

Both priced at: http://www.cworld.com.au/product_info.php?ID=120371


XP needs re-installing about every 18mths. as it slows down ...and down ....
SO.....
You want to specify: to have the HD formated for 15G primary partition [drive C: for XP OS and for all program installs] and and the rest [Drive E:] formated as a Dynamic partition [not extended-primary] for all you files,data and everything else etc.
That way, when you wish to re-install windows XP [or it crashes for some reason], it's a simple mater of re-installing the OS and programs on drive C: leaving all your data and files etc. untouched still on Drive E:-)

Whatever you buy [I'd go the A8], DO NOT let them install the free 90day Nortons software [it's very hard to get rid of] !

I've recently reviewed and upgraded my security combo and I can recommend this little lot for complete no-fuss and non-intrusive security [download them to disk for instant installation to new laptop or whatever].

All free:

AGV free version anti-virus [covers your mail too]
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

Sunbelt Kerio Personal firewall [replaces Sygate]
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Kerio.cfm

Ewido anti-spyware [it's free after the 30 day trial but you lose a couple of features which you will not need].
http://www.ewido.net/en/download/

Hope this helps,
cheers.