Not all are dual core.. dual core is nice. If given a choice avoid the Celeron processor,, but they are ok.

Buss speed can make things peppier,, 1066 v/s 667, if given the choice go faster.

I've a 6 pound toshiba 15.4 screen right now and find it rather large compaired to the 14.1 it replaced. Both have the same size keyboard. Actually both are the same weight but due to leverage the 15.4 feels heavier & obviously has more plastic and flexes slightly to save weight.

The 14.1" laptop keyboard fills the width, no edge room to spare.. I assume thats probably the smallest screen with normal sized keyboards.

Slower processers are cooler. Some people have laptops that are too hot for laps during the summer. And too hot sitting on their desks too and stick fan cooler pads under them.

Lighter the better in my opinion. Moving it from room to room that weight isnt as important as the picking it up and setting down while on the sofa or recliner. While I enjoy the 15.4 screen,, the 14.1 was fine and much easier to handle.

Faster hard drives are nice. But not a must.
Vista likes memory 2gb,, more is noticably better.

Windows 7 comes out end of October I believe so maybe try to get a rain check on a free upgrade when buying.

I myself prefer AMD when I can get them and I agree stay away from the Intel Celerons. There are single core,dual core and quad core processors the more cores the more speed and the more it can do at one time. You want at least 1 gig of ram but if it has Vista I would sure go for more than that. You will also run into 32bit or 64bit systems and 32 bit and 64 bit versions of windows. 64 bit can take and utilize much more ram but some programs are not yet available for 64bit windows so consider that. You can run 32bit windows on a 64bit system but you can not run 64 bit windows on a 32bit system.
If you can afford a 17 inch and not worry with the weight then go for it. You can always use a usb wireless mouse with it rather than the touch pad if you prefer, I know I do.
I would try to hold off till Windows 7 is out if you can or do as mentioned.

I just got an acer aspire one netbook which is quite small and it is very good for on the road travel but would not be a good choice for your day to day use just too small.

If you think of specifics you want to know about just ask.
Most all will have wireless of course.
32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

Thanks Ravencajun and Mikie for responding. I am going to Best Buy (60 miles is the closest one) to see what they have available. I have written some notes from your replies. I will look for some alternatives to the Celeron. It sounds (reading between the lines) that you feel like a 15 inch screen is adequate.

Thanks again for clueing me in on some of the basics.

Larry

Best Buy somtimes pushes to sell their own extended warrantees.
Most laptop manufacturers will have way better service than best buy and probably for less money too.
My toshiba I could order extrended warrantee within the first year of purchase... they have all kinds of extended warrantees and prices. Even some that cover dropping it in a pool once per year is covered.

I have been leaning toward a Toshiba. My last three computers have been Dells, but I am considering a change. Is there any special Toshiba you would recommend?

I am thinking about having the Geek Squad to set up a wireless set up for me. That is way over my head. I want to keep my desktop.....and also have the laptop on the same network.

I'm a believer in Toshiba but I guess everybody believes in what they own. Personally I think the cheaper the better, buy the special on sale $399 dollar one. Looks fine.

BestBuy has had some write-ups lately that they offer a $49 Win7 pre-release/pre-purchase upgrade. If they don't offer a free deal, you might ask them about that deal and buy it too.

If you dont already have a wireless router your isp may supply one for reasonable money if not free. Or most of the major wifi router brands now have fairly simple CD install to get you up and running.

BestBuys Laptop Sale right now; $399.99
Toshiba - Satellite Laptop with Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor T3400
Model: L305-S5944 : SKU: 9263496
Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core processor T3400; 2GB DDR2 SDRAM; DL DVD±RW/CD-RW drive; 15.4" widescreen; 250GB hard drive; Windows Vista Home Basic with SP1

You may have to ask the store to order you one as they normally will sell like hotcakes at that price.

I have had several Toshibas which have been passed on to my grandchildren, they are now purchasing new Toshibas. As matter of fact, one just purchased a new Satellite L300- Cdn version 15.4", Core2Duo T6400, 4GBs RAM for around $500 last week on sale. Reg $800