8600 & PowerPoint

I am interested in getting the 8600 for the following main uses:
-Spreadsheets
-Access database design
-Powerpoint presentations

I am in the real estate industry in so. cali and the large screen of the 8600 will help when I visit clients to showcase homes and other offerings, however, does the odd aspect ratio make for akward powerpoint presentations? Am I right in assuming that the 15.4 wuxga screen will dazzle better than other screens when showcasing products using powerpoint?

Also, I foresee myself doing a fair amount of typing and I've heard mention of the keyboard on the 8600 as non user-friendly. Any thoughts?

Lastly, this has been asked before, but I too have been toying with the idea of buying the notebook from ebay or some other non Dell source. What should I look for to make sure that these items truly are "new, in box" and not just some refurb made to look that way?

Thanks for your responses and I'm glad I found this site. Great research tool!

 

Powerpoint looks great. I just gave a presentation with my 8600...no problems. Both SXGA and UXGA will look great...it's all a matter of preference.

As for the keyboard...it's not that bad, however it feels a bit flimsy, but for the most part I find it pretty user friendly.

As for Ebay...can't help you there, I've never a laptop thru that site.

 

I am also looking to buy a 8600... but I am curious as to what happens when you create a powerpoint on your widescreen only to present it on a TV screen or projector that is square? [?]

 

Well, I had created my presentation on the 8600 saved to CD, and it was played on a projector, did not notice any problems