getting new laptop and would prefer some help please

thank you in advance

 

ok dropped my hp laptop couple months ago on the screen and needless to say it broke.  have lived without one since, luckily I have an iphone so i can access email etc on there.

 

bottom line: I want to get a new computer to have at home.  I dont need it for gaming or videos or any other crazy stuff.  I only need it for internet use (obviously), pictures, doing my turbotax work, basic ms office stuff, and maybe taking with me on trips to watch dvds and whatnot.

 

what are anyone's recommendations as to a good laptop i.e. brand, model, how much memory, speed is necessary

 

thanks

my buddy got one of those mini laptops, like an 8 inch screen MSCI or MSI or something like that but it doesnt have a cd/dvd drive and i def need one of those