I know some of my friends swear by Macs, but they are awfully pricey. I would want at least a 15 inch screen.
Everything I have ever read says that total cost of operation comes out to being equal or Macs being cheaper. But you are right, they do need a consumer level laptop with more than a 13in screen.
Actually, the size of the screen is the size of the laptop, and I returned a 15-inch Dell in favor of a 14-inch HP because as a sometimes teacher, constant Emailer, and frequent recorder of notes and minutes, as well as occasional student, portability and battery life are primary considerations for me. the size and weight difference is really significant. However, the “truebright” screen is almost impossible to see in sunlight.
I use Mozilla for web and Email, and the home and student-teacher edition of MS Office. It includes Word, PowerPoint, and ExCel, but not the Access database, but it is LEGALLY installable on three machines, which is exactly what I need - and for only about $100 at Sam’s Club. I get a free upgrade to Vista Home Premium, but I am in no hurry to do it.
One other thing - I DETEST the touchpad! I came from an IBM with the trackpoint (eraserhead) in the keyboard, and it behaved itself, but the touchpad is so sensitive to a “tap” that I have activated things I did not want DOZENS of times. Buy a mouse for it, instead!