need some basic help

[peter2004]

I am planning on buying a new lap top for the first time in 3 years, so i have lost track of what is good and what is not.
1. what brand is better?, i have always had good luck with HP before
2. what processor is better? give me 3 choices in case price becomes an issue.
3. what is the word on vista? not that i have a choice, i heard thats all you get now, i have always used xp.
I know this is sort of a basic question, but i don't want to buy anything until i ask somebody that knows better.
thank you

peter2004

[Richenstony]

I am planning on buying a new lap top for the first time in 3 years, so i have lost track of what is good and what is not.
1. what brand is better?, i have always had good luck with HP before
2. what processor is better? give me 3 choices in case price becomes an issue.
3. what is the word on vista? not that i have a choice, i heard thats all you get now, i have always used xp.
I know this is sort of a basic question, but i don't want to buy anything until i ask somebody that knows better.
thank you

peter2004

well for your cpu you want a dual core if you can afford it.......brand i would say sony thats my fave anyway.....vista isnt at a high point at the moment , so i would personally stick with x-p home or pro

[patio]

And when you do get closer to deciding contact the manufacturer about the option of having XP instead ov Vista if that is what you want...because of demand some manuf. have made this an option. Dell is one of them.