Using the information that you guys provided, my husband chose the HP G60-445DX. Here's the specs:
Processor 2.2 GHz AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core RM-75
Memory 3GB, DDR2 800 MHz
Hard drive 320GB 5,400rpm
Chipset MCP78S
Graphics Nvidia GeForce 8200M G
Operating System Windows Vista Home Premium SP1
Dimensions (WD) 14.9x9.9 inches
Height 1.7 inches
Screen size (diagonal) 16 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter 6.34 / 7.18 pounds
The drive speed is exactly the same as my external drive, so I put URU-POTS on the external and gave it a whirl last night. Worked without a hitch, got through the cleft section with no problems, the graphics are beautiful. It looks better than MOUL did on my old desk top ... I even have a shadow in the desert

So, thanks everyone for your input, I know it helped my husband a lot with collecting information.
I hope it works well when we all start hanging out together again. I wandered around the neighborhood for a while, kicked eddy the beach ball around a bit. Saw that the Heek table was smashed up, and sadness ensued.
FloCat