Sampson

New here and really not the smartest in the computer world, so I will need alot of help which I'm hoping you guys/girls can give me..

Now this laptop will not be used for gaming at all, so thats one thing I don't have to worry to much about..the main use of it will be for college really, so basicaully, typing essays/reports and things in that nature, AIM, email, music, enternet use (alot) i.e forums and just searching online.

Now I would like this laptop to last me a decent amount of time which is asking alot I know because laptops don't have the time life like a desktop..

Budget wise I'm looking at anything up to $1500..

There is though some brand names I stay away from; Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Gateway..
The main ones I was thinking was POSSIBLY Dell...and then for sure either HP or Mac..

Now I don't know what specs I really looking for I was thinking of a 4GB for memory, 15.4" screen, atleast 250gb hard drive? Thats all I was thinking of but then again like I said I'm not to smart in this..

So please help!