Dad has started looking around - caught him looking at the laptop page of a brochure. We're going for Harvey Norman because they actually have student discounts on laptops, not just software (tip from sister's business-minded boyfriend there). We are looking for a price range under $2000 (New Zealand, of course) with fairly good specs.

I DID actually see that the brochure had a HP laptop at $1999 (or $1899 after casback, but anyone who's actually tried to claim cashback knows that it really sin't worth all the terms and conditions just to get back the $100 they added on top of the real price anyway!) but Dad decided against it because the screen was to small - 13". Apparently it has to be at least 15" or he won't even bother.

BUT this is sincere proof something is happening! YES! And I can get aMSN for it and get online a bit more.
Probably still will avoid videos though, since that uses up famliy-wide broadband, regardless of a new laptop or not.
Plus, I'm still playing the original Sims. Mum somehow obtained a 'gift' Sims 2 (she won't say where, why or from who) which she says she is willing to let me use. SWEET! When t happens. Although a third is still coming out Feburary next year... and you know how it is with Sims, you always have to get all those expansions...