Help with choosing a notebook

I'm looking into getting a notebook to replace my 6 yr old desktop. I'll use it primarily for surfing the web and editing photos. I like speed, when I click on something I want it to happen now. I want something that will allow me to have multiple applications and websites open at the same time and not bog down. I haven't really looked for a computer in 6 years and never for a notebook so I'm not current on what's available, technology wise. I'd rather err on the side of overkill than to get something too slow. I have a DSL connection on my old computer, are there specific things I will need to be able to use the notebook wirelessly, like using it in the livingroom or bedroom? I keep seeing references to them getting hot. Will I need a hard surface in my lap to sit it on to keep from overheating it? I'm ready to spend up to $1500 (not incl. tax/shipping/etc). I don't want a Gateway and probably not a Dell either. Do notebooks have a shorter life than desktops?

Here are 2 HP's that I've been looking at this morning. Would one of these be more suitable than the other for my needs? I see that one has XP Media and the other XP Home, I use XP Pro at work so I'm not familiar with the other 2. Any help will really be appreciated. I hate going in somewhere and wondering if the salesperson really knows what they're talking about, since I don't, and don't want the frustrating of not getting what I need out of ignorance (mine)!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7889314&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01174&id=1149206842590

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7945593&type=product&productCategoryId=cat15107&id=1152228986939

Thanks for any advise!
Vicki