Thanks a lot for all the comments and advice. I'm leaning towards the HP Pavillion with the AMD Turion processor. The MAC doesn't seem to be an option at school, at least not without jumoing through hoops to make it work. A desktop isn't an option either because she will easily be able to come home on weekends so the flexibility to bring it home with her is a big plus. So we have found a pretty good deal on the HP including a 3 year "even if I drop it" warranty. We're also getting her a printer/scanner/copier to save her from having to go to the computer center to get printouts or copies. I forget who's post suggested that but thanks! I can't believe she's already going to College! It feels like we were just bringing her home from the hospital in a snow suit twice her size!!! Time flies!!

Frank