I've been messing around on Dell and would love if someone else had an idea or two on this.

I can't use a small screened laptop. I don't think widescreen would be good for word processing tasks.

The Dell Inspiron 1505 for $699 with no rebate hassles is a killer deal
http://www.gottadeal.com/DirectDeal/14766

Yes it's a widescreen but at 15.4" it's pretty spacious and not crammed at all.

Recommended upgrades:

Genuine Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition re-installation CD [add $10]
15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™ [add $100 or $3/month2]
60GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive [add $40 or $1/month2]
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery [add $129 or $4/month2]