<< I really don't want to phone in my order since I won't get the same deal as ordering online (long story).
Why would I need a modular floppy?
What if the laptop crashes and I need to bootup from CD, can I do that from the DVD? >>
I have an antique Dell Latitude CPX ( 400 Mhz Celeron ), and have loaded, reloaded, and done pretty much everything without a floppy drive. I finally found one it could use, but haven't ever used it yet.
As long as you're not going to:
1) Want to install Windows 95/98
2) Want to install something that requires a transfer to floppy
I see no reason to worry about the (lack of a) floppy drive. Sometimes you have to be a bit creative to move files around, but overall not a problem.
The DVD drive should behave just like a CDROM. And, if you're that worried about the floppy, you should be able to go to the Software and Peripherals site and buy one separately ( right now they have some coupons as well ).
--- OTOH, I'm waiting for "just the right deal" too, and this one is almost, but not quite, the right deal for me. So, good luck agonizing over your decision!