I have a 1.6GHz Centrino, 1GB RAM and an 80GB HDD. I run another monitor off the back of it and I run my trading software, charting package, internet, Excel, email, some games when I'm bored. Never had problems running all this stuff off it. Also, until I bought a laptop I hadnt realised just how easy they can make life, I can vary where I work from in the house, can whack a 3G mobile card in the side of it and trade from the common. When all is said and done I'd definitely suggest a laptop.