Eugene,
My son wrote a SUPER LONG response for you as follows:
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Under $1000: Dell Studio 15 / HP Pavilion dv5t
Under $2000: Dell XPS 1530 (Recommended, actual price is under $1000 too if you follow the guide)
I've chosen the 15" models because it seems like you need more of a desktop rather than portability, not to mention if you have an old computer the weight will be basically the same. If you're looking at something more portable than 15" look at the 14" on HP, IBM, and Dell. I would include Fujitsu and Sony, as they are amazing brands, but they are also expensive.
Dell is a great manufacturer, when it works. There are problems with Dell burning out with lower end models, such as the Inspiron series, rule of thumb with them is even if you're really on a budget never skimp on the warranty. HP warranty is pretty questionable, I can't say much but I hear it's not good. HP is also the "higher end" of Compaq but the fact that most of their parts are the same, it's more of a warranty difference.
I recommend the Dell XPS m1530 (15" version) or the m1330 (13" version). The variety of ways to cheat the price and make is much much lower (more on this later), the parts availability, the included warranty, and THE OPTION TO USE XP makes it the ultimate laptop. XPS is seen as a gaming computer and you said you don't play games, but what makes a gaming computer? The best parts. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it but the XPS series not only looks good, but performs.
My configuration recommendations: 2.4Ghz+ Processor, 2GB RAM, 120GB+ Hard drive, LED screen.
Processor: Don't skimp on this but don't get the newest model either. Just because you only "need" a 1.8Ghz dual core processor doesn't mean you should get it. Remember when you only "needed" 200Mhz? What people always remember is that that point one Ghz is 100Mhz x2 (~200Mhz). Spend the extra money for a 2.4Ghz or better, stay away from anything under 2.4Ghz and 2.6-2.8Ghz processors are currently for the rich who can afford it. If you're lucky, follow the saving money section and you might find a 2.6Ghz for cheap. Power consumption on the 2.4Ghz processors are much lower, longer battery life, and ~800Mhz faster than a 2.0Ghz processor. Less power for faster is worth the extra money.
Ram: You won't need over 2GB since if you choose the XPS you can use XP but other brands go for the 4GB even though you'll only see 3.5GB. Always buy the cheapest, lowest RAM out of the factory and upgrade it later. It's so easy to upgrade RAM on current machines and it won't void any warranties, anyone who knows how to use a screwdriver can do it. 4GB ram will run you about $35 after rebate, versus the $100+ they charge in the factory.
Hard drive: Your requirements seem like nothing over 250GB is necessary, externals and replacements are cheap if you want to upgrade later but I'd recommend at least 120GB, maybe 80GB if you want to skimp on it is fine too. Solid slate drives are amazing and if you really don't use a lot of storage they will make everything much faster. If you go with SSD upgrade after you buy, G.Skill 32GB is about $130 which is the most reasonable but will not fit Vista. You'll take less power, less heat, more stability, and much faster with SSDs. Intel has 128GB SSDs for like $700 but those, again, are for the rich.
The screen: Never before have people had to choose a screen but with new technology there's a choice. LED is amazing, once you go LED you won't go back. LED is thinner, brighter, and clearer, than the alternative. If you can't afford it, see the money saving paragraph but trust me, next to the processor this is the most important thing. I'll place HDMI in here even though it's more of a port. M1530 has an HDMI port to connect to HD TVs, this is just a nice plus.
Optical Drive: Blu ray is very new. If you want to spend the money on the drive you're looking at anywhere between $300 to $600 dollars more. I don't see a need right now but if you want it, I think m1530 has an option? The DVD writer on the m1530 is not the greatest for writing but it gets the job done and not many people need high speed burners (which are more unreliable in most cases). If Blu ray is a must, IBM (Lenovo) has the cheapest but you sacrifice too much in my opinion.
SAVING MONEY!
http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnline...line/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh
(Dec. 17 2008, no good models) Sort by processor, check the rest of the specifics later, remember LED!
Dell outlet is great for refurbished products, and CHEAP. Refurbished have almost no failure rate because of the extra testing and if you're not happy with it, send it back (they have some kind of time limit). If something is broken, they'll send a technician out to your house to fix it, unless it's major, then you have to send it in (XPS only). Amazing deals there sometimes but it updates every few hours with new stock so you have to try your luck, and when in doubt, add it to your cart and look at it later so that no one else can get it. Again CHECK FOR LED some don't have it! Outlet does have coupons sometimes, 15%-20% off the already outlet price but usually people buy all the good models fast. Also, Dell Outlet has tax and somewhat high, $30, shipping cost. Ebay is great too but make sure it has a warranty, remember Cash Back!
By now you're probably wondering why I even put the m1330, Studio 15 or HP. Well the HP had stunning reviews but I know nothing about it so I'll suggest it and follow the configuration. The Studio 15 is a rip off of the Sony Vaio S series design and I thought it looked cool, it is cheaper than the m1530 but weighs more and does not have the higher end parts or warranty. The m1330 is more portable than the m1530 without losing any power but for a little higher price.
Proud owner of an m1330, had some problems along the way overheating, faulty keyboard (both taken care of next day), but for everything I've done to it, it was well worth the price. 2.2Ghz, 2GB ram, 120GB hard drive, LED screen, finger print scanner (looks nice but never use it), and nVidia 8200GS (gamer thing). It's a year old, made before 2.4Ghz and higher processors were released. Love it.
In short, go with the m1530. Just the ability to UPGRADE to Windows XP makes it much better than most of the other systems. Add a reasonable price, gaming performance, great looks, an outstanding warranty and you have a solid choice for a laptop. If you can't afford it, at least pay attention to the configuration.
No idea why I wrote this much… College is getting to me.
