Which laptop would you recommend I purchase?

Hi,
I am a 15 year old freshman in high school and I was interested in purchasing a laptop (this would be my first). I was not looking for a super high tech one, but I would like to be able to do basic things such as surf the web and type up word documents. After looking around for a fairly inexpensive laptop that could fulfill my basic needs I came across two very good looking models, the Dell Vostro 1500 and the Compaq Presario C700T. Now what I was wondering is if you guys have had any experience with either one of these laptops and if you have which one would you recommend and what customizations should I make to them if necessary.
Thanks,
questionsman22
:D

allienware is the only way, and if you load it up correctly, it will still be a hammer for the next 5 years or more, whereas most will be sub-par in about three. I know you were asking about a budget line, but what you will probably find out quickly is that you saved nothing by buying something you will outgrow so quickly, and if like most folks, will be clawing for the next level before the year is out and wishing you had applied your money on something hotter...it's just flat better to save a little longer and get something much better. Right now the performance spread on laps is so much more extreme than on desktops...what you get for 1500 dollars is so much more than what you're going to get for 450 dollars. Truly, laps under about 600 are a real waste of money. You have to at least hit 1000 dollars before you can really say that you got something for the money spent. Generally, the more you spend, the more bang for you buck you're going to get. Allienware is well beyond the subpar class machines, and although not everyone can afford those machines, those who sacrificed and have made the move, are almost always very happy they waited for the real machine.
Dave

Personally I like the hp tx 1320us. It's got Vista, this really cool swivel/touch screen. I've had it 4 a while. It was about 1000 when I got it. I really love it, 4 a freshman it's great,

I bought my laptop @ Walmart. It's not a well known brand, but I have to say, it's been a good one. It is an Acer. My son has one also and his has a few more features. We both love ours and you can buy them on sale a lot if you just keep checking with Walmart. I don't know if anyone else sells them or not. If you want to know the price, go to Walmart.com.

Acer was the #1 pick by PC Magazine. . . . I agree with them. Get an Acer.

You should look into a gateway. All my computers and laptops have been gateways and I find them extremely reliable. Also their customer service is excellent and speak engllsh.