I know absolutely nothing about computers . A little guidance would be much appreciated. I'd like to buy a new laptop that does all this at the same time:
-use HEM
-run 12-16 tables
-listen music
-google 1 or 2 tabs
-one monitor

I don't need something over the top, just a good reliable laptop... Thanks

Well, the USB port location is very important!! I have been using the HP/Compaq nx7000 with all USB ports on the back end. The connector is now bent from the main body. Amazingly it still works, but it's always worried me that sticks sticking out the back end could get bent or broken, and now I have seen it. Make certain the notebook has USB ports on the side, preferably left and right.

Could this do the trick?

Key Features:

Battery life Up to 6 hours

Built-in ethernet connection 10/100/1000

CD / DVD optical drive DVD super multi double-layer drive

Computer Software Helpline Free 90 day computer support

Dimensions H2.5/3 x W38 x D26cm

Graphics card Mobile Intel GS45 Express Chipset

Graphics card - video RAM Shared

Guarantee FREE 2 year guarantee, extend to 3 years £145

Hard drive 250GB

Memory card slot 5-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD)

Operating system Windows Vista Home Premium

Processor Intel Celeron 723

Processor speed 1.2GHz

RAM 3GB

Screen resolution 1366 x 768

Screen size 15.6"

Stereo speakers Built-in

USB ports 4x USB 2.0

Weight 2.4kg

Wireless networking 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth