OT Partially - Intel Based Notebooks

Sorry, this is part of a cross-post ... <A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com/mobile/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=2681#2681" target="_new">see here</A> if you want.

Basically, I'm wondering what you all know or think about the Intel 855 chipset used in these "Centrino" notebooks.

Do you all like these more mobile/lightweight notebooks with better battery life compared to the NON-855/Pentium M based CPUs used out there?

For my use, I really need mobile use - lot of travelling - so weight is big issue and battery life. These "Centrinos" with the "extra" wireless in them since I will use that in my home-office wireless environment.

Anyway just wondering from you all who work with mobos/chipsets etc... what you think of these Intel 855s??

Also, if you do know - what about these "no-name brand" notebooks (like Quanta and Compal) vs the "DELL" (or NAME-brand) notebooks? (from the likes of resellers like <A HREF="http://www.powernotebooks.com" target="_new">http://www.powernotebooks.com</A> ).

Thanks... -ot

IC7-G 1.3| P4 2.8 800 | SLK900-U / 92mm Fan (AS3) | 2x512mb Corsair PC3500C2 | 2x120gb SG SATA RAID 0 | 2x120gb WD RAID 1 | CM ATC201B-SXT | 520W | Radeon 9800 Pro | Audigy2

should be getting a gateway 450e with a 1.3 centrino...i'll tell you how that goes when i get it.