Honestly shell out the cash for a Macbook Pro, yes they cost 3-4 times as much, but they last for years. Mine just passed the 4 year mark and I'm just thinking about replacing it now, but it still works.
Seems most friends/family who buy cheap PC laptops (cheap one's specifically) end up replacing it after 2 years anyways. So to me I'd rather pay a more up front and keep it for a few years than go through a series of cheapy laptops.
Refurbished Macbook Pro for $899
Or if she can live without a CD rom drive, a
Macbook Air (uber light) for the same price.