>Basically, what is the best lap top computer I can get for $1699.00?
That's a very subjective question to which there is no correct answer.

>I've heard that I should go with an Apple because they have less
>problems than Windows based systems.
Macs are fairly reliable, but that doesn't mean there aren't reliable PC brands available, too.

>I am totally scared of Windows Vista
There aren't very many PC manufacturers that still sell laptops with Windows XP preinstalled.

You'll probably want to take a look at the Apple MacBook. It's $1250 USD, I believe, and it has decent built-in wireless capability, comes preinstalled with the DVD authoring tool iDVD, although you might be a little disappointed with the battery life you get from using it. For me, I get around 2 hours under heavy usage, maybe 4 if I'm doing something simple like word processing. Oh, and the hardware aspect of it is excellent. Never had a problem.

Another brand that is fairly decent are the Sony laptops. Acer and Dell are also worth a peek, too.

Macbooks suck.. Vista is too buggy now.. I would try to stick with XP pro, if at all possible. Check out newegg.com or bestbuy.com and look at their laptops.. On newegg, you can search for the components you want (amd processor, 802.11g cards, 2 gigs of ram, 200 gig hd, etc.. are the specs that I would look for)

I would personally go with hp, I've used their laptops in the past, and I think they are very reliable.. or dell..

>Macbooks suck
You aren't helping anyone with that statement. Give some reasons to back yourself up and maybe I'll respect you a little bit.

>I would try to stick with XP pro, if at all possible.
Is there any reason you give for not recommending XP Home, if all the OP does is surf the net, listen to music, and author DVDs?

>I would personally go with hp, I've used their laptops in the past,
>and I think they are very reliable
From what I've read, HP has a very poor repair history. Dell is typically more reliable in terms of low-midrange laptops.

I've also heard some poor things about HP-Compaq laptops. My dad and sister each have one, and they've had a couple problems but nothing major. My Toshiba's been fine for the little over two years I've had it, but if you've had problems it's understandable that you'd want something else. Sony has a very good rep, and the Macbooks are pretty popular. If you look at dells, go for some of the pricier ones within your budget. You get what you pay for...

XP Pro's EOL is later than that of XP home

I dislike them for many reasons, but here is not the place to discuss that. I would not recommend buying a macbook unless you want to do a lot of video editing, graphics design, etc.. Especially if you have never used a MAC before b/c then you will have to get use to a new os.

XP Pro just has much more it can offer the user especially from a networking standpoint.. It is much easier to adapt to any working environment, and it offers the user more.. However, if the OP simply wants to surf the net, listen to music, etc. there is nothing wrong with XP home.

Really? I have never had any problems with hp.. but I do agree that dell is probably more reliable.

Whatever brand you buy, someone will tell you it sucks. From personal experience Advent suck and Acer are good (aside from minor random overheating like problems). Toshiba are good in my friends eyes because she's had a laptop for a few years and it's been ok. Dell is poor because their laptops blow up. but someone else will have had a machine for 6 years and be fine.

I think you should just look at specs of an indiviual machine, duo core processor and a gig of so or ram and it should be all good.

>I dislike them for many reasons, but here is not the place to discuss that.
We're not discussing why you don't like them, we're trying to discuss why the OP should/shouldn't buy something. If you don't give any reasons, what makes your statement constructive or helpful? How is anyone supposed to believe you when you refuse to give reasons why not to buy it?

I agree with Infarction about the Sony laptops. They do cost more than Dells, but tend to be more reliable and of higher quality than Dell or HP.

Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate you taking the time.