You can buy this model for your purposes. Anyway, you only choose FreeDOS OS. Are you going to install Linux or Windows XP later on? You should upgrade the memory >= 2 GB RAM because the GPU (graphics card) already steals some of the memory. Go for a better 4GB RAM to run the memory-hungry Vista OS with a few hiccups if you decide to install Vista.

If you don't want to be a loser so soon, maybe you can go for...

Dell Inspiron 1420 at basic setup offer with RM2599 (online price includes delivery as at 22 March 2008):
Pre-installed MS Works 9.0 OEM
Pre-installed McAfee anti-virus solution OEM
Intel(R) Centrino(R) Processor Technology - Intel(R) Core(tm)2 Duo Processor T5450 (1.66 GHz, 2MB Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Basic
2GB (2 X 1024MB) 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
14.1" WXGA Display with Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
120GB SATA 5400 RPM Hard Drive (free upgrade to 160GB currently if you choose this option)
DVD Burner (8x DVDRW with dual layer support)
Intel(R) Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Intel(R) 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
8-in-1 media card reader
Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet
Integrated Bluetooth
Internal 56K Modem
Integrated Stereo Sound
One year limited standard warranty NBD + POW

If you want to buy a Dell product, it is better to buy online because you can decide from a lot of choices (with individual item price difference indications) and you get online promotions. Well, I sound like a sales agent (I am not)...hahaha..but, I give my advice based on my current experience with Dell. Go for it!

So far, I have let my Vostro 1400 active all night long (sometimes when I fall asleep, the movie which I set it in repeat mode, will watch over me...heheh), and it does not have any issue with heat.

ftec n msi sound is not powerful enough. last time i got 1 always pecah la the sound..............