or the Sony VAIO PCG-GRX670 if you can find one on clearance somewhere. I just bought an NVR23 Sony Vaio (dedicated 32 G4 420 Go vid card, XP1800, 30 GB, dvd/burner, 15" 1024x768 max, 3 USB firewire, floppy subwoofer bay.) I love it and got for equal of 1150 US.
The 610 was my next pick, you may want to check this guy out on ebay, he buys bulk they are brand new and you can buy the GRZ610 from him for $1150-1200 buy now to end auction, they are in box, all you would do is register with Sony online once you recieve it and you have a 1 yr warranty. He is in San Fran I will see if I can find his number as I have spoke to him personally, I will post his link as he has these 610 notebooks up regularly He has excellent customer feedback and has been selling since 99.
Cisco KId
NVR23 Laptop and a Killa desktop too much too list