They are both retired since this summer - i.e. both older than 65. They are really not interested in or need the newest and fastest. Just something that's a solid performer with good build quality to last a good while. I live in a different country than they do, which makes helping them with their tech stuff a good bit more difficult :).

I've had a look around the dell site and ye - there's things with comparable specs around for similar money. Given that Acer is pretty much definitely out - any thoughts on Samsung's performance? [It's the C2D model.]

Indeed. Bought the 4-year warranty since I'm trying to stick with a 5-year replacement schedule for my business laptop. A bit expensive but the 35% off applied to the price of the warranty, as well, and a GPU (nVidia 7800 Go) and DVD drive definitely paid for it. Can't remember if I purchased the rig through the business portal or the home portal, though.

Kinda funny - the first time with the GPU, I was on phone support with "Steve" from India for a couple hours before they decided to send a body. Next time was about an hour as we repeated the troubleshooting. The third time, it was maybe ten minutes as I basically read back to them their troubleshooting manual when describing the steps I took.
I'll ask my sis-in-law, since she got a new Samsung a few months back; can't remember which processor, though. Seemed like a decent enough unit when I was setting up the anti-virus and such.

Well, I lost that wager. I'm probably closer to your age. ;-)

Yay?

(By the way - thanks everyone! :) )

One more thing that you might consider - judging by your description, the laptop will not really be that mobile. Moreover, using a graphics software is much easier when you have a relatively large screen. I would not, however, recommend a large-screen laptop, but rather something that you can buy a docking station for. It is so much more convenient to use - simply keep the docking station on your desk, with mouse, keyboard, and monitor plugged in, and when you need to travel with your laptop - simply remove it from the dock.

Yes - it will not be that mobile. Except occasionally, as my father edits a journal on mechanical instruments (i.e. barrel organs and the like), and travels to local meetings now and then).

They have a larger screen on his main computer. My mother will be using the laptop primarily, when my father is at home.