When I ask if it can play WMVHD at 1080i, I mean can the WUXGA screen(1920 x 1200) handle the video even though the website says it needs a resolution of 1920 x 1440

Considering the resolution is there, I don't see any reasons why it can't playback HD in 1080i without internal scaling (that was your question wasn't it?)....

I don't actually have mine yet, but it is due on Monday...I could make a small bit of HD content during next week and give it a try if you like?

Regarding outputing at this resolution to component inputs! I am not aware that there is any dongle to transcode the VGA or DVI outputs into an Component video signal. So unless your display can accept VGA or DVI I don't think so....

Thanks - here's a copy of a quote I got (of course I didnt pay that much) for anyone interested in ordering a M18.  Be sure to take note of the phone number at the bottom since the regular spare parts department will not sell it to you.

http://www.geocities.com/mnguyen281/quote.jpg

Hi mnguyen281,

I noticed that you're one of the few who actually has the ATI 9800 256MB card in your 9100.  Right now, I have the 9700 128MB card in my 9100.  However, unlike many people, I don't want to have to hack the card drivers to be able to play Doom 3.  Have you tried Doom 3 on the 9800????  If it runs fine, please let me know so I can upgrade to the new card or order a new laptop.

Also, what kind of a rating do you get when you run it against futuremark03?

And, just another question for the road.  Have you had any overheating problems???  I've noticed that Dell seems to be messing up bioses and video drivers now to where either the fan doesn't kick on or the video card overheats.  Please let me know so I don't have the satisfaction of owning a 10 pound paper weight.

I called the number together with the phone extension, but I still need the sales representatives 4 digit extension. 

If I don't give them the extension, they hang up.