I checked out the MacBook (and the Pro) at the Apple Store in the Eaton Centre today – can’t say I was very impressed with the keyboard on the MacBook, and it’s odd not being able to tap the touchpad. Oh, and the screen seems quite short compared to the laptops I’m used to, although it’s widescreen so it’s probably about the same area.

If we don’t go with a Mac, then there’s the new HP Pavilion tx1000 due out at the end of this month – it’s a tablet PC and should cost about $1,700.

I heard that Bose may be 25-50% better but 100% more expensive so I didn’t even look at them.

try Sennheiser PXC 250, Sony MDR-NC6 or Sony MDR-NC50. I have the Sennheisers and they’re not too bad. The block out most of the noise and let you play music at reduced volumes. I used them on my overseas trip, and they killed most of the aircraft noise.

Bose make the best (as you would expect) but they’re pricey and are quite large- but not ear-muff sized

Amazon have a range, and reviews.

The other problem is that comprehensive, collision, and to some degree theft are where the big, more frequent costs come in for them. Sure, you get a couple of million in liability, but you’re not *as* likely to need that. But Comprehensive means they’re required to pay if someone prangs your panel, or your windshield is broken, etc. And these are both pretty likely, and pretty fast to eat up your premium-worth of payment. If your liability-only premium is $1500, adding comprehensive will double it at least, I’d say. And make sure your car is worth at least a few times the difference, or it’s not worth it. Talk to an agent or three for all the negotiables that’ll suit you.

As for chairs, also try Ikea. Many are rubbish, but others are pretty good, last I checked.