I'm also using a Dell Inspiron 8200. I absolutely love it and their customer service has been great! I haven't had any problems with it at all and the construction is very good. Battery life could be a little better, but oh well. If all you need it for is to play DVDs and surf the net you could get away with a less expensive one. If battery life is important to you, I would recommend getting a Pentium III instead of the P4. The P4 processors still have power consumption issues to be worked out, and aren't very power efficient. The P3 is much more power efficient, and is still powerful enough to suit your needs.
I would definetely recommed getting a Dell.
I would definetely recommed getting a Dell.