yeah, i have an older Acer notebook (TravelMate 2000), and for what I use it, it does the job. i bought it really cheap from my old company...but unfortunately, the 2nd batch, they had more names on the list than PCs to sell. Since I've got a decent in with the President, his secretary (happens to be Mom), and the IT guy (he made sure I got the best one of the bunch), I jumped on it.
I pulled up the 9300 deal. Not too bad...but take a look at this
Acer from newegg.com
for about 500 cheaper, you're getting about the same PC...
just depends on what you want to do. Dell gives you the great customer service. If you aren't afraid to open up a computer, I'd go with newegg. You could probably call them and have them add or subtract anything from it.
but one thing I would do is get the extra battery, especially if you're going to be away from an outlet for extended periods of time.