Buying a Computer

I have been borrowing a friend's laptop for the last little while - but it's really getting ridiculous - I truly need to buy one of my own. So after a few weeks of humming and hawing about it, I made the decision that its time to buy. Having spent the last few days doing research - or research as best as I do it - I still don't know what to do.

To date, my research methods have included phoning/emailing any friends of mine that have technical expertise and asking their advice. They have kindly shared their thoughts - which have ranged from 'I have no clue what you should do' to actual specifications that I should get. Which has been great - but what I really need is someone just to tell me what to do. Like give me the computer type and model number and I'll go buy it.

I don't know what it is. Usually I'm a fairly capable adult - in other words I can make decisions - but when it comes to anything mechanical or technical, I become a real 'girlie' girl. It's like my brain shuts off - I'm completely pathetic.

Now I have the specs: 1.6 Ghz, 512 MB, 60 GB and Wireless and under 2kg. I've found one that is pretty cute but more expensive than I'd really like and I found one on Dell's website that probably would meet all my needs but when I saw it at a kiosk in the mall - it really was very appealing. I think the Dell has more software included.... I could go in to a list of the pros and cons but it just makes me more confused.

I'm stymied. The only thing I know for sure is that I want to buy one. Help!!!