>>put it, a programmer, and a scope (TEK THS720) into my briefcase with room

Hi Jim!

If you have a ths720, you might want to "grab" my screengrab program for it:
http://www.bobblick.com/bob/projects/ths720/

Speaking of great laptops, I have a Toshiba Portege 3600CT, and was using
it on battery today, and after 6 hours and 30 minutes of continuous use, it
said it still had 2.8 hours left! A couple of ounces and millimeters bigger
than the Aero(and quicker, a 486dx2-50), but well worth it if you ever need
a replacement(and can find one of these, they are treasured by their owners).

Cheers,

Bob

http://www.bobblick.com/