I have the Dell Inspiron 6000D as well, and run it at 1680x1050. It's nice because it has a lot of real estate to use up, but you don't have to squint to read text.
I also use a Targus backpack. It's made for a 15", but it fits my 15.4" nicely.
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TR601http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=TR601