I'm thinking seriously about getting a new laptop. While I'm still not exactly sure of how the new dual core processors work, I basically understand it is 1.5-2x it's advertised speed (1.6 dual core should be roughly 3-3.2). Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'll probably stick with an AMD system, I've had pretty ggod luck with them. We only plan to do typical websurfing things, and play a few games here and there.

Next, all the new laptops are coming with Vista. I've heard REALLY ugly things about Vista not working with older systems, programs, etc. Will a Vista laptop work ok on my home network consisting of 4 other computers running XP sp2? By "ok" will we still be able to share files with the Vista puter, and will it be able to print to our network printers?

Yes that is how you can work out combined frequency's. But now days with Core2duo around ghz means nothing. No longer do we worry about the ghz war and it is more of the core war. Id say go with a Core2Duo, iv brought a laptop recently with a C2D T5500 at 1.6ghz and it runs fine with multiple programs open and even games relatively well! Dual core technology is finally becoming standardized and its the way forward.
I also have a dual OS network and can confirm i have had know problems with file sharing and printing with Vista Home premium and XP Home SP2.
Hope this all helps
02coled
Merry Xmas

Core2DuoE6600ES @3.6ghz
2gb Elipedia 1066mhz5,5,5,15
EVGA 680i
BFG 8800 GTS-OC 320mb
680w Thermaltake Purepower
2 x 250gb Sata
Vista Home Premium

A 1.6GHz dual core CPU is similar to having two 1.6GHz CPUs working separately (but together)...it's NOT not the same as a single 3.2GHz CPU.

I'm networking Vista Premium and Ultimate with 2 XP systems with no problems either - I found Vista is actually easier to set up networking than XP was, including sharing of printers. As far as a Vista laptop is concerned make sure you have more than 1Gb RAM - it does make a big difference - 2Gb on a dual2 core runs fine. Also if you want to play more than basic games you need a dedicated graphics card - not shared video.

"I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us..."

Thanks for the info guys !!! All that info is pretty much what I've been told by the local "geniuses" at Comp USA and Circuit City. I just wanted to get an opinion from people that seem to know EXACTLY what you're doing.