Computer & Laptop Hardware

[#1]

Hi, I am also looking for suggestion on my new laptop purchase.
I've never been on the market for laptops but I do have 1 old desktop pc and 1 old laptop that just broke down.
Here's what I intend to use my laptop for :

A. 90% of time for browsing internet, watching HD videos.
B. Not going to play games, since I have PS3 for it.
C. Would prefer a bigger than normal screen (16-17''), not going to care it with me often.
D. Downloading music, videos, burning cds and dvds.
E. Not sure about bluetooth function ? Can anyone explain to me what it is in regards to pc.
F. Not sure how important is blue-ray function ? I can watch blue ray dvds on my PS3 and my 52'' HDTV, so do I really need one ??
G. Would like to be able to connect it to my HD tv via HDMI. (also I am not sure quiet for what purpose yet - any suggestions ???)
H. Built-in webcam and mic would be a bonus but not a must. (also heard it's possible to talk via Skype, so maybe a good idea to have)
I. Good battery life (but after my old laptop which battery would die in the next 20 mins - probably needed replacement - any battery would be an amazing improvement. Also on this subject, can someone explain to me what is better - if you are home and your battery is 100% is it better to keep it plugged in AC outlet all the time or have it work from the battery itself untill it drains out and then connecting it at AC. What is better in general for battery life ??)
J. Whatever I purchase I prefer to go with good brands, so HP, DELL, SONY I would be more comfortable rathen then less known brands.
K. Not sure with all I listed I should consider a MAC considering it's price…

As you can see, I am simply not aware of everything that modern laptops are able to do. Thus, I may find some function that I didn't know existed that would be interesting for me.

Thanks for any the help.

[#2]

Blutooth allows blutooth devices to sync wirelessly with your laptop within relatively close proximity.  Common blutooth devices you might use are computer mice, keyboard, headset.  Most people don't need it.

Blu-Ray is usually not needed unless you intend to play Blu-Ray movies when you're on the go, which is probably not likely because it would decimate your battery life.

HDMI is used of you want to display your hi-def movies from your laptop to your hi-def TV.  You can't benefit from this unless you have a capable graphics card.  And with a powerful graphics card you would suffer less battery life too.

The bad thing about batteries is that they degrade with time, whether you're using it or not.  If you plan to keep the laptop plugged all the time, thats fine, but I suggest that you discharge the battery to about 5% approximately 3 times per month to maintain battery health.

I like HPs and Sony too (Dell...not so much)

Consider this Sony laptop (LINK), and this HP laptop (LINK) and let me know if these fits your budget.  They're not really powerful enough for gaming (which as you said you wouldn't be doing), but in the large-sized categories short battery life becomes an issue.  I believe the HP only gets around 2.5 hours, and I'm not sure about the Sony but they're usually a little better battery-wise.

[#3]

Thanks Credible Chris. I checked your 2 suggestions and I was wondering why would they be a better choice than for example this laptop :
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dm=DEBUG&sku_id=0665000FS10132288&catid=
I noticed they have different processor (Intel Core 2 Duo T6600) which I suppose should be better vs Intel Pentium T4300. I don't how significant this difference is and if it's worth the extra 200-400$ but for less money I could get a bigger screen and still have good specs.
I know, I mentionned popular brand names but I heard only good things about Gateway laptops.
You mentionned HDMI is used if you want to display your hi-def movies from your laptop to your hi-def TV. You can't benefit from this unless you have a capable graphics card. So what about this Gateway model ? Does it have good enough graphics card in order to display HD movies on the bigger screen ?
Thanks, again.

[#4]

I've done a little more research, and even though I don't plan to do any advanced work (at least not in the near future) on my laptop I would still prefer to get the best performance for the price rangde under 1000$
So I came up with a few more models that I would like to have your input on them.
Gateway NV7401H with Intel Pentium T4300 (599$)
Gateway NV5822H with Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 (699$)

And 3 HP's
G60-530CA (579$) , DV5-1334CA (679$) , G60-554CA (699$) all with Intel Core 2 Duo T6600

So only first model has 17'' screen. Should I compensate with screen size and go with better processor or will I not see a significant difference and just go with bigger screen ? And once again what makes a better choice of the previously 2 suggested laptops and why. Please HELP !

[#5]

The Intel GMA 4500M I think doesn't have quite what it takes to display HD video on a TV screen through HDMI.  I could be mistaken, but I think you'll need at least the GMA 4500M HD integrated graphics.

Anyway, The Gateway NV7401H is probably the bare minimum you should consider.

The NV5822H is actuallt much much better for the extra $100.  Its got the better processor and very decent graphics for displaying hi-def on your TV through HDMI.  I think you would appreciate a marked performance enhancement over the $599 Gateway.

The HP G60-530CA is very similar to the NV7401H and probably not quite up to snuff for you.

The DV5-1334CA is proabably good enough since it has the GMA 4500 M HD.  And the G60-554CA only has a slightly better processor.

Anyway, of the two Gateways, I would choose the $699 model hands down.  The screen is smaller, but you've got some decent gaphics for streaming hi-def video to a large TV to make up for it.