computer question

T'h wants to give me a laptop for Christmas!!

*jumps up and down*

However, I stopped him from racing out impulsively to the shops and said that I wanted to consult my knowledgeable online Friends first. Because you, my Friends, know about a thousand things more about computers than do I, and have been helpful on numerous occasions.

So here is the question: what is the best laptop to get?? And what extensions / software?

Here's what I want the laptop to do:

* be an Apple Mac of some type
* link up to our broadband connection but without a cable (is this called airport card?)
* use itunes or somesuch to transport music from DVD onto ipod (I have not as yet got an ipod which is precisely why I need a laptop as I have an ancient iMac, OS 8.6)
* play The Sims
* read all the stuff I have currently on my iMac OS 8.6 (how do I transport it all across??)
* ideally: have desktop Stickies
* ideally: have desktop Notepad function
* ideally: not have that stupid OSX dock at the bottom of the screen or at the side but I guess I'll have to put up with it
* be portable around the house and in t'reference libraries of this world
* look good (this is not top priority but would be nice)
* live for a few hours on batteries alone
* do everything I do now but amazingly faster!
* Is there anything else that is of immense use and wonderfulness that I would like my laptop to be able to do?

And what are the pitfalls to look out for when dealing with ruthless electronics dealers? And where do I get the best bargains?

omg, I am so excited. Life is going to hit the 21st century!

(And yes, we can afford it, t'h has hit a spot of financial goodness and yeah)

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