Buying a laptop, can't wait for Windows 7

If you just basically do those 3 stuffs and non-graphic intensive like photoshop or even not using any optical drive, most laptops in the market will suit you, but be on a lookout for large harddisk capacity as this will let you store more files, consider harddisk space of around 260GB of SATA type at least (some laptops still uses PATA type which is being phrased out, so check it first).

Generally most 14" upward laptops with optical drive will fit your budget, unless you are looking specially at netbooks which a 10" and below may serve your purpose due to it's lightweight, but you'll be better with a non-netbook.

For vista OS, look for ram/memory of at leat 2GB minimum, whereas XP OS can get by with 1GB given your usage listed earlier.

If you will be connecting alot of peripherals like printers, mouse, mp3player, cellphone, thumbdrive/external USB drive, then the more USB ports the merrier (around 3 ports at least if possible else 2 is the worst minimum).

I've owned Dell, Toshiba, and HP.

Of those HP gave me the least Warranty trouble. The Toshiba outlived it's warranty (HP didn't) but once it started breaking, it became a revolving door. The HP once fixed stayed fixed and I was able to pass it on to some family who needed a laptop.

My last Two Dell laptops have both needed warranty work. The first 3 times before we got into a debate over the next 2 problems and they refused to honor the warranty. Broken and under Warranty. I won't be passing this one on to family. The next one is about to go in now. I'm keeping my fingers cross that Dell won't come up with some stupid excuse.

Both of those answers are totally correct. Pretty much any laptop these days will be able to handle the work you've listed. The difference makers for you will probably be things more along the lines of differences in weight, available peripherals, brands, etc.

Aside from using Cnet reviews, you can also hit up this laptop scout application: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-laptop-scout/default.aspx You can enter simple information (budget, what you're going to be using the laptop for), and it'll provide you with a great side-by-side comparison application. It also lists Cnet.com reviews, so that info will be easily accessable from the site as well.

The three brands you listed are pretty well represented there, so it might be a convenient way of doing some comparison shopping and simplifying your decision.

Cheers,

Cody
Windows Outreach Team

My own experience the last three years has been unending struggles, repairs and even the Blue Screen of Death with HP laptops. All of them were 9400 series laptops with Vista installed. I've had both software and hardware problems...unresolveable.

I'm still having problems and now am looking to buy something with XP installed if its not too late.

Good luck!