[Rathji]

If I was buying a new computer for someone that did not require any specific apps which are only available on one operating system I would ask these questions:

Do you have previous experience with any operating systems. If so, then you should give preference to that OS.

Will you be carrying this laptop around every day? possibly with other items? If so, consider a 14" or smaller screen.

If this your main PC? If it isn't then consider a netbook as a possiblity. Cost and Size are very nice if you are not relying on it to run heavy duty applications that your current desktop might already handle.

If you have a limited budget, then you should consider an entry level PC as your first choice. Otherwise Macs are probably an option.

Do you need anything more than the 3Ws of computing? (Web Word and Wacking) If so, then you might want to consider more than 3GB of RAM and possibly an actual video card as opposed to an integrated card.

For me, if I was buying a new computer as a student on a limited budget. I would consider a netbook (Dell Mini 10, Acer Aspireone, or the HP netbook all seem good and fully upgraded run $350-$400), an entry level laptop (Dell Inspiron 15, $500-$600), or a 16" Toshiba Satellite ($650-700).