Dell 8600, Gateway 505xl, HP z3000 or????

I'm in the market to get a new computer. I"ve basically been looking at the different companies as in the subject heading. I've looked at the Dell 8600, Gateway 505 xl, HP z3000. With all the things I want in it they are all very comparable. Is there a certain brand you'd prefer over another. Another friend also mentioned a Compaq Evo but I can't seem to find them very well on the website. Here is what I'm looking at getting. Widescreen (suggestions on the difference between the types of widescreen resolutions), about 60g hard drive (speed???), DVD-R (slot load vs not?? preference), Wireless (g?), memory (start with 256 then upgrade on own bc its cheaper??), A port replicator sounds like it would be handy to hook up my peripherals like scanner, printer, moniter, etc. Also its always a good thing to have as many ports on the computer as you think will be ever possible. Video card 32 or 64??? I think those are my ideas so far.

Basically I am looking to replace my old P3 gateway desktop. Its been alright but the cd burner never seemed to work right, it always hung up. I will be using it for graphic design (a little freelance, personal, and a little bit from work), in addition to movies, games(not a heavy gamer though), usual internet etc. Anyway, I hope you can help. I'd really not like to spend over 2000.

How about warranties and accidental damage? Are those worth purchasing? I've never owned a notebook before and it does seem kinda scary to carry around something so valuable.

Thanks in advance for your help. I've already been through the Dell and Gateway reviews of these 2 but now i'm looking for comparisons.