Laptop advice for technophobe!?

Hey, I'm looking for a laptop that enables me to play/burn CDs/DVDs, has Windows XP/Office XP, is good for music writing/mixing software, has in-built wireless and will work well with mp3 players/digital cameras/Photoshop. I am a musician who has trouble programming a video player to record (even after videos no longer exist!!) and I want something as easy as possible to use! How mush is the least I would be expecting to pay for something with all the bits I need? And is there any jargon I should be looking out for? (whether it's to go for OR avoid!) helphelphelp!

Dell Vostro is the only brand that still gives you the XP option. The new system is called Vista. Dell Vostro would be a good way to go budgetwise. You probably can squeeze in at about a grand.

If you go Mac it may be higher.

I think you need a macbook. those are the easiest to use and learn.

hmm take a look at the asus f3jp yet? has a strong graphics card which will be good for your work on images and graphics. Also 1gb of ram and a 1.66ghz processor, which will be good for processing images and music without lag. you can get this for around 1700~1900 aud. it comes with windows xp but you have to buy microsoft office yourself though for a 1**. i had one of these laptops, and they were great but unfortunately i spilt juice on it and it died.

If you're into music production, the MusicXPC M4 ( http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?... ) and M4X (http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?... ) are a great consideration.

haha, get over your computer fear! and get over XP! Those products are gone and Vista is here. Almost everything you want is standard in laptops now. Office, Photoshop, a good sound studio program are going to be extras. Many mfg let 'you roll your own', particularizing your laptop for your needs. They can add Office, Photoshop, et al, as part of the pkg and cut costs.