Toshiba is always a good choice. Good repair service if required. Pretty much anything will do for what your requirements are. Its between you and your pocketbook on how much you want to spend. Some people prefer AMD processors and some prefer Intel. I myself have alway prefered Intel. Just like some prefer Chevs and some prefer Fords. You might want to think twice about getting a machine with no optical drive. Either that or consider getting an external.
I would suggest dumping the trial Anti-virus program it comes with. Only a 30 or 60 day trial. Dont even activate it. Uninstall it using either McAfee or Norton uninstall tool then download, install Avast Free (better than those two I mentioned). I assume it will have Windows7, you can use the built in firewall supplied as its a good two way.
Then download install SpywareBlaster, Malwarebytes. Update Spywareblaster after installing and once weekly. Malwarebyte updated everytwo weeks when doing a cleanup.
P.S. You may want to physically check that 13.1 inch model as some people find the keyboards too small.

I recently bought this acer laptop for my husband, for the cost it is really an excellent choice for someone wanting a general use laptop like you describe, it has an AMD Athlon processor which is an excellent processor and I am one of the ones that much prefer AMD products. Have had both Intel and AMD just like AMD better.
Read the specs on this one and see what you think. It does have the bigger screen and nice size keyboard which is really nice. It does have all the optical drives. It is a 64bit system and comes with windows 7 home premium 64bit.
Acer - Aspire Laptop with AMD Athlon

I do have the little Acer netbook also and sometimes the small screen and keyboard get tiresome, it is excellent though when I am traveling.

Thanks Genes for your input.We have an optical drive on the desktop so don't need one on a laptop. Rather have the lighter weight. Keyboard not an issue -we tried them out in Best Buy.I will junk the Norton as you recommend and install AVG.
ravencajun, Thanks for the info on the Acer, but I think we will stick with the Toshiba since a lot more features for a small increment in price.

RC. The big problem I have with Acer, is if you need servicing, then, you pay out of your pocket to send it in to the repair depot. Acer only pays if you have the same problem a second time. Toshiba on the other had has "authorized service centers" in most cities up here in Canada (so I would assume the same down south) where you can take it in.
However, having said that as I dont often run into a problem I cant handle, I have two Acer laptops and one Toshiba. As you mentioned, you get a bigger bang for the buck with Acer

Lily, I would most heartily recommend Avast free over AVG.