Topic: Laptop suggestions (general use, editing, non taping)

[detroit lightning]

I'm going to be travelling abroad, so my company is going to fork over some $$$ for me to put towards a laptop. 

I'm just looking for good quality, maybe a good soundcard already (so I wouldn't have to upgrade later?) and anything else good for audio/video editing. 

never bought a laptop before, so don't really know if there is technology i should look for or anything like that

would consider mac, but leaning towards pc as i have to use it for work from time to time...and that is mostly pc based.

any suggestions are appreciated!!

thanks-