Assuming you aren't going with an Apple laptop, look for two things and you'll be golden:
1) 2GB of ram/memory (though 1GB will suffice .. which is 1024MB)
2) Dual core processor
3) Don't go with any laptop using Celeron (they are slow)
Other than that, the rest is icing on the cake.
I would recommend
FutureShop (
click to see listings) simply because I've had 2 laptop purchasing experiences with them (one for my sister, and for myself) and haven't had any problems. Usually FutureShop carries the higher end, thin and light, more expensive laptops. If you're looking for an 'ultimate' laptop... thin, light, big screen, long battery... then look there. But if you're looking for a cheaper laptop then theres other places to find one. The nice thing about Futureshop is they have a Back To School sale with great deals and usually throw in extra things like 'Buy a laptop and get a free printer'. In which case you can get the sales rep to sometimes exchange the free printer for something better like a leather bag or USB key.
My friends have Dell laptops which are also very good quality. MDG is another decent pick.
Battery life can be an important factor to also take note of. Battery life usually lasts between 2-4 hours on average, so you'll want a laptop with less of the battery-hungry 'media center' options. You can browse FutureShop for battery life specs as well.
Other recommended laptop distributors:
-
Dell.ca (
have a good choice starting at $799)
-
MDG.ca (
entry level that is decent starts at $899)
If you're looking to buy an Apple laptop, visit the TITLES bookstore at Mac, they have an Apple computer area that is a certified seller and can show you the differences/advantages, as well as give you the Apple student discount.
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What type of computer were you looking at getting? Just one to surf the net, type in Word, and use msn?
... oh and visit MacInsiders of course lol