Laptop Brands...

[dan the acid man]

For the money, i'd probably go with a Dell, once you've got rid of the software they install for you they're good laptops.
The only problem with Dells is the upgrade options can be fiddly, as they used to use motherboards tweaked and specially made for them, not sure if they still do, but to be honest, all laptops are awkward for upgrading, so it doesn't really matter.

AMD still make great chips, although im not sure how good their mobile chips are.

Intel chips have always been more expensive, and i've always preffered AMD ones, but the new core duo chips by Intel are supposed to be the best on the market at the moment

As for media centre, avoid t at all costs, see if you can change to an xp install.
Media is more for connecting to tv's, recording tv channels etc