The configuration I came up with is as follows

-Windows XP Professional (available through downgrade rights from Genuine Windows® 7 Professional)

-Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9600 (2.80 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB)

-4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM

-500 GB 7200 rpm SATA II

-Mobile Intel® 4500MHD (integrated) OR ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 (discrete)

http://h71016.www7.hp.com/dstore/dcart/cart.asp?HeaderAction=ViewCart&oi=E9CED&BEID=19701&SBLID=

I have done alot of research but still cant come to any conclusions on what is required to run SW efficiently

Looking for something reasonably priced

Any input about my selection or any suggestions?

Anything will help, thank you for your input