[AnneWynne]

The monitor on my laptop is fried...the good news is that I can hook it up to a monitor and use it, but that is too bulky for portability. Sooo, I am in the market for a new laptop.

I am not a nuts-and-bolts computer geek... I really do not know what I _really_ need to look for in my next laptop. Previous decisions have been made on price during the Black Friday Sales.

This is what I use a laptop for:
Processing photos when I travel (I prefer to use my desk top for most of my processing)
I would like to be able to review what I just shot on the laptop monitor (shoot teathered, preferably blue-toothed)
I also use some old software that will not run on XP or above, so I need some sort of solution for that (it is embroidery digitizing software and I do not want to spend several thousand more to get software that will do what I already have.)
I am doing some website development and need fast linkage.
I also like to watch TV streamed from the internet, as well as DVDs,etc.
I also listen to music online, so I would like decent sound.
I also use it for wordprocessing and administering some psychological test programs, and because of that, I cannot use a Mac (the test programs are not compatable with Macs from what I have seen, unless Macs can now run Windows progams).
I tend to use my computers for a long time...years and years...with out upgrading anything.

So, I know I need something with a good graphics/media capability, but how do I know/what do I ask for when I am shopping for the next laptop? I don't want some salesperson jacking up the price selling me something I don't really need as my budget is really tight.

While I would like a replacement soon, I can wait and not rush into it, but if there is a really good price on what I need the Friday after Thanksgiving, I'm willing to stand in line.

Can anyone give me some tips for this next investment?

TIA,
Anne