In search of the ultimate digital nomad notebook, part 1

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- My old-and-busted notebook has now been officially retired (relegated to the mundane task of powering my home security web cams). And now I'm embarking on an epic journey to find, and buy, the ultimate digital nomad notebook. And I need your help.

I haven't finalized my criteria yet. But I do know that my new notebook has got to be a graphics powerhouse. Because I have both a tiny netbook, and also an HD camcorder (Sony CX12), my new notebook does not need to be super portable (no need for an extraordinarily small and light notebook), nor can it be -- editing HD video needs graphics power and storage space largely unavailable in ultra thin and light notebooks.

Because I plan to use this new notebook full time while on extended stays abroad, it has to be a desktop-replacement class device. In order to keep up with my normal writing and blogging schedule, I need a full size keyboard, and big-as-possible screen.

Other criteria are that I don't want to run Windows Vista -- the laptop has to be XP-capable, or run some non-Windows OS. I don't want to spend a fortune on it, would like it to be non-fragile and I would like to be able to use it for watching movies, preferably Blu-Ray.

Of course, the perfect notebook simply doesn't exist. So this whole process will be an exercise in trade-offs. Let me share what I've considered so far.

I'm considering the Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo XI 3650. The main reason, I have to admit, is that it's one of the notebooks Fujitsu sells that works with the Amilo Graphic Booster. You plug this sucker in, and it provides its own screamer graphics card to two additional displays (I happen to have two 20-inch displays on my desk). That appeals. Beyond that, it's got a nice big screen (18.4 inches with 16:9 aspect ratio) and all the trimmings. Unfortunately, they don't sell this laptop in the U.S., and the price is likely to be astronomical. I've got some queries into the company on this one, and I'll keep you posted.

I'm also considering a 17-inch MacBook Pro. The specs and details on this are well known. Its main upside is that it's a well constructed, elegant machine -- and I know it will handle HD video editing as well or better than any other notebook on the market. I would have to sit down and do an inventory on which Windows applications I could do without, and seriously contemplate whether I'm ready to re-embrace the Mac universe. I'm also not thrilled with the price. After specing out the laptop, plus the applications I would have to buy (duplicating software I've already paid for on my Windows machine, including Photoshop), the price tag would run way beyond the $4,000 mark.

And finally, I'm considering the Dell M2010. Of course, Dell has discontinued this system, but still has a few refurbished models available. If you're not familiar with the M2010, it's a 17-pound "luggable" with a 20-inch screen. It won't fit in a laptop bag, but it has a nice handle. It's harder to take with you during trips, but it's easier to use once you get there thanks to that giant screen and truly full-size keyboard. The M2010 has about half the graphics memory I'd like in a laptop, but because it's refurbished, I can get my hands on one for under $2,000.

I'm going to be considering a very large number of other options, and need your help. You can see what I'm looking for: Big screen, great graphics performance and relatively low price. Any suggestions?