My wife is looking for a laptop...

Originally Posted by MarkinCA

I appreciate the feedback sod and good information to know, and that's basically what I'm doing at this point in time is some in-depth researching on a solid all-around laptop for her. It'll have to past the finger test and that will be her job

Check out notebookreview.com. Great info on the main site, and the forums are quite helpful as well.

Since affordability is important, make sure to spend a good amount of time with HP and Dell. Good luck! I usually spend weeks to a month when laptop shopping. It becomes an obsession up until you get the machine!