Lisa  

I echo Christopher's general guidance.  There is no one right or wrong 
answer on this; and keep in mind that within a brand name line, there are 
product lines within that brand name.
If you have a laptop right now, think what you like or dislike about it 
now -- its pluses and minuses -- and make certain that, whatever you buy, 
it covers that.
Number of usb slots, size of drive, size of monitor, speed of processor 
and all the rest that goes into a pc.
Often, a person's bias for or against a brand name is based on a single 
experience with a brand and may or may not represent a true picture.
Also, experiences from years back may not be reflective of what something 
is today.

If you will be starting out with an operating system you are not familiar 
with, your initial experience 
may be somewhat frustrating initially as you get used to it.  

One thing I would check is, if you purchase extended warranty coverage, is 
who provides that coverage -- is it the manufacturer or a 3rd party.  
Also, if that machine needs servicing, where will it be done.

If you still feel uncomfortable, find someone who recently purchased 
something and take a look at that.  That machine may be a good starting 
point as you think things through.




Our experience determines our persuasion.
Ray pritchard in the sermon "Chariots of Fire"
http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/2006-03-08-Chariots-of-Fire/


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