I would definitely consider the new ultra books in particular the Asus ultra book that is both a tablet and laptop in one it won't be cheap but for travel the size and weight will be important, I think you should go with 8,it will hard to find new with out it. I would definitely not get 17" for travel. I think anything in the newer released laptops will cover your needs. The ultra book convertible is the best of both worlds, I think being able to use it in tablet mode will come in very handy. I personally own the Asus tf300 transformer tablet which I love but you want something bigger it sound like and your gaming needs would probably dictate a laptop. I don't mind a refurbished as long as it is factory refurbished with some warranty.

I had a problem with the bright white screens and found a solution that is shown in Step 5. I just clicked on the larger white screen in the photo, then went down and changed the white to a pale color. All seemed to have a brightness to it, so I used the slider in "other". When I found a non-bright that I liked, I save it. No more burning eyes in the evening.

This exercise may help too, Windows 7 and Vista From the Start menu, select Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.Double-click Network and Sharing Center. From the list of tasks on the left, click Change adapter settings (in Windows 7), or Manage network connections (in Vista). For a wired network connection, right-click Local Area Connection, and then select Properties. For a wireless network connection, right-click Wireless Network Connection, and then select Properties. From the Networking tab, click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), make sure it is checked, and then click Properties. Click Obtain an IP Address Automatically, and then click OK.

It does not seem to be a network adapter issue either, as both wireless and direct connection are problematic. The next step to see if a program typically Anti Virus is causing issue. So lets boot the computer to safe mode with Networking and see if you can connect that way, lets just concentrate using a direct connection. Restart the computer, keep tapping the F8 Key, the computer will boot to the advanced boot options menu black screen with white letter. From the list presented to you, use the arrow key to select Safe Mode With Networking once selected hit enter on the keyboard. Now try to connect to only Google.com. Let us know if you can connect that way. Do not surf the internet in this mode. Please be sure to try another browser too maybe before doing all this above in case this is a silly internet explorer issue.. Joe