Do not get a HP Pavilion dv6000. I have had one for 2 weeks and have had to replace 2 batteries already. In addition HP's customer service hotline is answered in India. Luckily I purchased the extended warranty from the store, and they have replaced the battery no questions asked.

I would also stay away from Vista for a while. I have programs occasionally crash, and the system locks up every now and then. However, the security is much better than any pc I have used.

My wife has a Mac, and we have never had ANY problem, spyware, or virus. If I didn't want to play games I would buy a MAC.