LAPTOPS

I'm going to buy a laptop soon as DH computer crashed and it's just to old to fix. Can you post your suggestions, recommended stores to purchase from, and brands to avoid.

Thanks in advance.

last year i got a great laptop from dell for $500.
it was new and has a DVD-VR
decent memory to use as a desktop as well.

its not tiny... its bigger than the norm now.. but to keep home and not travel its perfect.

Thank for replying and for you input ladies.

Anyone else care to share?