So the significant other is having laptop envy at my lovely new macbook pro, but she does accept that with her requirements (some word processing / office work, internet browsing and email) she doesn't need a Mac.

Nothing with a huge hard drive, but a decent processor / RAM as she's likely to have multiple programmes on the go.

Can the combined IT experience of STW help out?

Ps she currently thinks that STW can do no wrong after the recent Smudge incident and consequent sympathy, thanks again for all of that!

I've been very happy with the samsung r519 I got from ebuyer about 6 months ago. £350ish with windows 7 which has been great.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/202798

Don't be so cheap

http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=MTAyNTQzMzg

Didn't realise you could get a macbook for that sort of price now, spec looks ok as well!

If you're not looking to spend that much and want Windows, you can get pretty decent specced Dells for about £500-600 I think. We've never had any problems with Dell in our house, been using them since windows 95 I think..

Definitely get Windows 7, it's much faster than Vista and looks/feels so much better than XP which just feels horribly clunky in comparison!

You could always go for a refurb Macbook, same spec as the one Ian links to, for £694

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/FC207B/A?mco=MTU5MjkwMjk

…..but, as a Macbook Pro user myself. You can get a smashing Dell for with all the discounts they offer for about £400.

http://www.ndc.co.uk/