I currently have an HP zd7000 17" widescreen, and it was the best decision I have ever made. As for the choices, like what has been said, between #1 and #3 - the BrightView will win out by far. The screen is amazing, if you are using it for any CAD or drawing at all (or even image or graphic design) the detail is unbelievable. All I can describe it as is looking through a jolly rancher.
As for the power connectors on HP, they have been known to be weak, but that all depends on the user, and also it could happen to any brand of laptop since it is an integrated piece of plastic. Solutions - if you aren't a business person who carries the computer day after day, and the laptop will sit in a given location for any length of time - HP has a nice expansion base available that gives you ports that aren't on the laptop, and with one connection, everything is on.
Ohh, and on a side note.... I really enjoy the Harman/Kardon speakers on HP.
