My computer that I built about five years ago is probably on it's last legs, and deserves to be retired. I don't think I'll build one this time. I've had GOOD luck with a Dell laptop I got a few years ago, so I'm THINKING of going Dell. My question is, should I go Intel or AMD? I've always paid the premium for Intel in the past, but is it still worth it? I use the computer for trade show booth display design, and the graphics files can get pretty big and require a lot of processing power. My current computer kind of bogs down on the big files.
So anyway, do people recommend Intel or AMD these days for graphics processing? I'm on a bit of a budget, looking at "MIDLEVEL" stuff.
Also while I'm asking, Dell has a Windows 7 option that includes a "windows XP mode", but it's an extra $50. I think it use to be free. I was thinking of paying the extra $50 for the "xp mode", but I read some reviews that IMPLIED it isn't that good. Maybe this should be a separate post, but what do you think of having an "xp mode" on Windows 7 if it costs an extra $50.
Thanks!3 questions:

1) Are you talking about another laptop purchase here ? ?

2) What exactly are your video requirements ? ?

3) What is the budget ? ?

NOTE: XP Mode is Free...do NOT pay for it