I have a Dell Precision M90 (17"). It's way too big and way too powerful for most people. I'd look at the Dell Vostro. Cheap and pretty good value. Toshiba, Apple, Asus, all make good laptops as well. Make sure to get an Intel Core 2 Duo. Ram doesn't matter so much, because you can get 2GB for $80. What are you looking to do with it? How portable do you need it?