Getting a Laptop this weekend, Suggestions are welcom(and urged) Options

[Azrael]

Thanks to a big refund check, I was able to split half of it with my mom. In addition to other money I have enough to get a laptop and still be good. The problem I'm having is there's so much to choose from. I'm basically getting it for school so it doesn't have to be flashy or anything and I'm looking for a good deal, but I was wondering if anyone like had any experiences with hp, compaq, or any brand of pcs. My mom and bro have a compaq, and my dad has a dell. I want to go for a different brand and I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions experiences, etc.