You may want to try and find out if this actually works or not.
Not all laptops have SVideo capability in their graphics card, even with the converter.
Well, you mentioned you MIGHT be interested in a PC. if you are I have a Lenovo T60p you could check out.
Let me know if you're interested, and if not, well, free bump
I would take a look at thinkpads or the new Panasonic Toughbooks, maybe durabooks also? I would think he'd want something with a little bit more durability than a Dell.