I need help with Computer Buying

So I desperately need a new computer. I am looking into the Laptop/Notebook area. I have a few computer games that I like to play and would like to play more of so a graphics card is a must. I dunno anything about RAM or Memory or whatever so I need help with that stuff. I have looked in HP and heard bad things about them. I havent heard good things about Dell at all. Toshiba and Sony I have heard were good . . but really I have no idea! Those are all opinions. So I need some direction like I said my needs are Gaming, and Multimedia . . and of course the office suite. Mac's arnt an option for me as they are way too expensive. Oh one more thing I would prefer a widescreen 15" monitor for transportability . . I would get a docking station and external moniter later to supplement. So if anyone has any word of advice or suggestion please I am all ears as I am clueless as to what to do. Oh a Intel Core Duo 2 is a must I believe . . or so I have been told.