DH says he will buy me a lap top for my Birthday in November. I have never had a lap top and don't know anything about them. While we were on our vacation a couple of weeks ago we noticed people watching movies on theirs on the ferry etc I think one would be so useful when travelling, downloading pictures, finding information and of course for work;) I have several months to find out all I can. Of course who better to ask than you guys, so tell me, whats the best out there and uses, what do they come with etc?

I don't know many things about pc,but if i would buy one,this would be my choice :)
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pdet.to?poid=324113&seg=HHO

I would suggest a medium size laptop. I had the smallest and it was so hot that I believe it was possible to cook an egg on it. LOL If you are into watching DVD, take one with a 15'4 monitor. With a 17 inch monitor, you will see the movie better but usually they have a short battery life and they are bulky.