Low Maintenance Laptop?
 

One of my friends is moving, and I do all of the computer maintenance for her. So, she doesn't really know how to do a lot. She'll need something that runs without having to do much/any work on it. Pretty much, she'll use it for browsing the web and e-mail (through her wireless network), managing her music/iPod through iTunes, watching DVD movies, and Office-type stuff. No gaming or anything like that, just something that works well.

Any suggestions? Her brother has a MacBook and he's complained of it being hot and shitting off all the time. The last time I looked into this, Dells were the best, is that still the case? Any recommendations would definitely be welcome. :)

Dell works great from what I've used before--maybe I shouldn't be talking since I don't own one, though. Although, I ordered a few not too long ago for someone I worked for, and they work great. Yes, they're pretty low maintenance, save for the few that needed batteries replaced because of whatever recall.

A MacBook wouldn't be a bad decision either, but I can't really vouch for them since I've not used them >_<

The new C2D MacBooks have solved the random shutdown problem (and there's a firmware fix out for the original MacBooks that fixes it on them too, you should tell her brother about that. I'd say a Mac is the best way to go—easy to use, no worry of viruses or other crap, perfect for someone who just wants to do what they want to do and not worry about technical stuff.

If I lived in North America, I would definitely get a MacBook, since the price is actually reasonable there. Well, I'll still probably get one, only by paying twice as much as I should. :(

The reason I like MacBooks, aside from the design, is that they have a 12-inch version, while most other laptops start at 14'' or 15''. I currently have a 17'' laptop, and I've come to a conclusion that it's really way too large, so I want my next one to be as small as possible. Though I don't know how important portability is for your friend.

About the MacBooks, I can't vouch for them, since I don't have one. But, I've heard that they're good for basics due to the whole minimal viruses, easy to use thing.

I, personally, have a Dell (Inspiron 600m) and it's incredibly easy to use. Lasted me 3 years so far, and any problems I've had are because I dropped it... It'll due fine for music, DVDs, office stuff, web, etc.

Then again, my computer inept mom and dad have been doing fine with their Fujitsu's and Gateways. I think it has more to do with the actual OS then the box.

And maybe the user. :)

She decided to go with a Mac. Being the trendy pick didn't hurt and she liked the idea of getting away from PCs for once (just as I am considering).

Thanks for all the help everybody. :)