Check out the "other" books like Sager, Asus, fujisu, MSI etc. All are really easy to upgrade.
Asus and MSI are really easy to upgrade. Not to mention they make their own motherboard, video card, notbook, etc.
Don't let those dell salesman talk you into a dell, unless you can get a great deal on it.
If you have funds to get an IBM, get it.
It is a shame you can't just go to a store and touch, feel, and try the "other" notebooks.