the home pc is dying a tragic but slow death so i m going to have to invest in a new one . can a laptop replace a pc and if so what one. i know little to nothing about computers so please dont blind me with science . ( i think a ram is a sheep with horns )

Depends on your budget. Try and spend at least £300 something like this.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Notebook-i3-370M-Wireless-Windows/dp/B0045UBCQ2/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1320835177&sr=1-4

What do you use your PC for?

well about 20% for work ( invoicing and keeping my books ) 10 % editing photos and the rest for internet use, forums ,youtube etc. oh and maybe a bit for storing music. budget is up to £800.

MacBook Pro (if you know any students you can pick one up for that price)

a second hand macbook from a reputable source ? (cheers lodders)

I’ve had an Acer Aspire 4810TZ for the past couple of years, does exactly what you ask for plus 8 hour battery – about £500.