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You asked for opinions and this one is worth what you are paying for it.

Things I would want in a new laptop are:

• Dedicated Video Memory Card, not one that shares system memory
• Illuminated/Backlit Keyboard
• 8gb RAM
• LED backlit monitor instead of LCD only

Your list of features I'm sure will be different. I think arguing Ford v Chevy, Respironics v Resmed, or Dell v Toshiba is pointless. Look at the reviews, see what discounts you can find, get a good warranty either from manufacturer or Square Trade.

Sacto George wrote:... I would emphasize the need for efficiency or convenience items, like a wireless mouse (very high priority) and maybe an external full-size keyboard (personal preference). An external hard drive would be very handy for backup.

I've already got all of those. I LOVE my wireless keyboard and mouse. My husband was able to recover the info from my laptop, by swapping the hard drive into his laptop, and transferred all my data onto a USB hard drive. We also have a network hard drive.

Now it's just to figure out what I want/need out of the laptop itself. There are just so many different processors/speeds that I'm a little overwhelmed.

PS...I;m working on a tiny, OLD netbook (one of the first that game out), so ANYTHING is going to be a huge upgrade from THIS!

To be clear - I was referring to having a full-sized built in keyboard and monitor. You can add wireless or USB keyboards to any laptop or connect to a larger monitor.

I usu. go with a middle of the road processor as the newer the processor the more the price will be. So for processor speed you will see a direct relationship in the price. If it's made for Windows 7 x64 you should be OK. Just always double (or more) the minimum RAM required to run windows. So if the laptop you choose doesn't have enuff RAM add that to the purchase price to see if it is still a deal.

IF you buy at Costco they have a trial period (30 days or so) where you can return it IF you are not happy with it. Costco also doubles the manuf. warranty. And IF you use their charge card (Amex) you can get yet a 3rd yr. of warranty. This may make the cost of membership worth while.

If you check the price on the Windows and Office software (separate) you will get an idea the hardware is pretty much thrown in. Buying laptops in not unlike trying to buy a cold remedy. Everyone has one and they are all bloated with something they hope you will spend money on after a "Free" trial.

Good Luck