Opti,
If you decide to follow up the Compaq notebook be sure to get the model number and do a search for updates here
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/
Many models are shipped to OZ and sit in boxes for months,meanwhile Compaq/HP discover problems with them and update new release models Drivers and BIOS to fix them.
End result is Aussies end up buying a new Notebook or Desktop with inherent problems
I've seen a few of them that go into hybernation/sleep mode and don't come back resulting in data loss. They Often fail to boot the next time round requiring a format and system reinstall to recover
Once you update them they are fine but don't find this out the hard way in the middle of a trip when you are relying on it.
I was about to buy one and decided to do some searches on the model number, I was shocked by the search results.
Another reason why I chose Toshiba, they have better support and updates in my experience.
From what I've seen once they are updated they work fine tho.
Regards,
Wicked1