Laptop recommendations?

I need to buy a new laptop, and I would appreciate any recommendations you might offer. The only laptop I have used with any regularity is the old IBM Thinkpad that was issued to me 5 years ago when I was a teacher in a portable classroom. It has gotten slower and slower . . .

Now my desktop at home is beginning to make a funny clicking sound. I've been saving everything that I have on both computers for a couple of months. When I'm in a rush, I just e-mail projects to myself.

I had an original target date of May 1 (Think payday!) for my purchase, but I could probably wait another week or two. The critical consideration is the beginning of summer semester at CSU.

I want a basic machine, but I might need a few more features that I don't even know about . My middle son is helping me check out several that I have seen--a Toshiba and a Dell top my curent list. He told me to check on the processors. I don't mind normal weight, and I know I don't want one of the teeny netbooks.

I figure I need a webcam and a built-in microphone. I will get the Word Suite. I use my computer for email and document production more than anything else, but I anticipate doing more multimedia production projects, especially if I'm able to get a job as a media specialist.

Any suggestions? Any computers you DON'T like? How about warranties? Or do you rely on local computer support companies? What do you think are essential features and what are features that you thought you needed and wound up not using at all?