Eventually this will be suggested anyway so I am going to get it out of the way:

Get a Mac

In the end it comes down to what you want to/need to do with it. For some things I guess a PC is still the better choice.

I've been working at IT for over 2 years at a university so I've seen literally dozens of computer models grace my desk. Send me a profile message letting me know a few details (laptop or desktop, PC or Mac, price range, etc.) and I'd be more than happy to walk you through it.

For simple everyday sifting use, I'd recommend a Toshiba from Costco (if you have a membership). E.g., http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11313943&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

They have a great return policy, decent prices, and free "concierge" friendly phone support. And I'm very happy with my Toshiba.

I have a Toshiba now. It's ok. I haven't had great experience with their phone support either. I think I'd rather pay 1000 bucks instead of sitting on hold for 5 hours

As for the Mac, I don't use a computer for anything other than general use. The kids, school, home management, sifting, sifting, email and sifting.

That's why I suggested you buy from Costco. They have free, friendly, and fast phone support no matter what brand you buy.

I just recommended Toshiba because I've had 4 different laptops (Dell, Sony, old Toshiba that I dropped, new Toshiba that kicks ass) and the Toshibas are the only ones I've not had any problems with (aside from gravity and the kitchen floor).

It sounds like you don't really take the computer out of the house, but you'd like to be able to carry it around the house. And you're willing to pay at least $1000, but probably not much more. So here's a few suggestions:

This is a very sleek 17-incher. Gonna set you back a bit though. ($1400)
This has a nice, big hard drive and is $1200 after a $100 mail-in rebate.
This guy is a bargain, and probably the one I'd go for if my budget was $1000-ish (it's $1100).
This is a high-quality laptop for a low price. If it were me, I'd get the identically-priced model with a slower processor but more powerful video card, but for your applications this one probably suits you better. It's $1000.

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Get a Mac and kiss all your computer frustrations goodbye. They just work, and they're great for Sifting.

Don't believe the hype. Macs have their issues too. But, if your main use will be surfing, I think my Mac Book Air is perfect for that. It's light and super portable. I've found some inherent problems with OSX Leopard, but it loads and shuts down fast and with very few minor buggy moments. A lot better than PC in that regard.

My geek qualifications include 12 years in IT, so I've seen my share of equipment, too. I recommend nothing but IBM/Lenovo these days. My own laptop is an HP, which I'd say has been a bit mediocre. Every other new computer I've owned, excluding the one I got for xmas when I was 6, has been self-built from parts.

Macs are shit.

Sony Vaios are overpriced but very good.

I had an HP, was not satisfied at all.

Lenovos are good.

Frankly I reccomend you save money and buy a mini laptop like the MSI Wind. Its cheap and perfect for the few things you do (email, chat and watch Sift)

I've an HP, I've had to send it in twice. Phone support wasn't bad, they still ask you a bunch of bullshit questions and have you run through all kinds of hoops, but they kind of have to. Repair times were fast, over night shipping zero cost to me.

Really it depends on the model more than the brand. My model seems to have all kinds of problems to the point where they've issued an extended two year warranty for said problem, but other models seem completely problem free.

So unless someone has a specific model they know works I'd suggest finding a few that seem to meet your needs and doing a bit if internet searching to see how many people are bitching about chronic problems.

MarineGunnrock helped me build my computer that I use for my business. It works amazingly well. Haven't had a problem yet (and I've had it for over 6 months.) But then again I don't have Vista on it so that takes care of the 10,035 software recognition issues I'd have otherwise.

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Maybe they drop their definite articles over in Kuwait - but I know you meant Macs are the shit.

>> ^Farhad2000:
Macs are shit.
Sony Vaios are overpriced but very good.
I had an HP, was not satisfied at all.
Lenovos are good.
Frankly I reccomend you save money and buy a mini laptop like the MSI Wind. Its cheap and perfect for the few things you do (email, chat and watch Sift)

People with gold plated Apple douche nozzles shouldn't really talk.

The thing I hate about the Mac word are all the lovely expensive accessories. Most people I know are on a budget so I do mention Macs but then they see the prices.
Swampy, how about a netbook of some kind? I'm waiting on the Samsung NC-10 to be delivered. For everyday light use it should work for just about anyone. And make sure you have some sort of backup in place regardless of what you go for.

Here's a review;

I wont buy a Macintosh until they swear off animal testing.