laptop as client box?

[lovingHDTV]

I know this has been discussed sometime ago, but am hoping for some updated info.

My client box in my theater now works great for my HD material. It is hooked to my projector via DVI-D and looks great. The one thing I miss is the ability to do things without turning on the projector.

I've looked into adding a secondary display and all the issues involved there. I've looked at the new cases that have these displays in them. The cases with the displays are around $350-$800. Then you have to build a quiet pc on top of that and it gets pricey quickly.

Looking at some of the newer laptops, they come with DVI-D, integrated graphics like the ATI x1400 or similar GeForce cards, that according to the vendors say they will do all HD formats fine. They are quiet, small, have a keyboard if needed, and can be opened to handle the secondary display without turning on the projector. The can be had for ~$600+. These seem like a perfect fit for this application.

Do they really work well? How about HDCP complient video for HD-DVDs? I'm hoping someone is using a laptop for this type of thing and can give me some real life feedback. I don't need/want a laptop for personal use and don't really want to buy one just to find out they wont work well for my theater.

thanks,