Bex

I'm about to head off to college and my father is giving me a laptop. He is a computer illiterate and just said to tell him what kind to get, and to make it not too expensive (We're on a rather tight budget!).
I know a bit about computers, but when it comes to megabites and processers I get totally lost. I was hoping if I just said what I was interested in that someone could point out a few models?
I'd like it to have plenty of memory, because I write A LOT! I currently have 125MB from one folder of writing alone. So lots of space would be a good thing. Also any kind of word document, for writing, but I figure that's standard. I don't want any excessive programs. Internet would be awesome, but I heard you need to pay monthly for that on a laptop? Could anyone tell me prices/good companies? I'd probably, if I got internet with it, be surfing all the time.. So add on more space, I guess. So I need a laptop with loads of space, but not the mega ammount like you need for game playing. I'll leave my Sims to my home PC. Any suggestions?