need help with what brand of computer to buy

My dell laptop crashed after 3 years and has a screwed up cord so I think I'm done with that computer. I'm currently using a windows 98SE which I hate but it's all I have at the moment. In april when I get taxes I'm planning on buying a new laptop. I need something that will allow me to have a lot of pictures and music without slowing it down. I only plan on having 1 sims game on it. I will mostly use it for the internet though. I'm just wondering what is the best computer for the least amount of money?need help with what brand of computer to buy
I'd wait till april to even pick one out. There are several deals around christmas time as many retailers are eager to empty out their stock for the upcoming new year and latest hardware. I'm sure though, as is the case every year, there will be retailers or more likely e-tailers offering deals on what to spend your income tax return on and laptops are likely to be in that category. Just be patient, in the mean time you can do some homework, read some reviews, and keep your eyes on say atleast 3-5 different laptops you find appealing now as they'll be much cheaper by that time next year but will still be quite powerful.need help with what brand of computer to buy
my first and only prebuilt was from gateway. they have great customer service. quick too.

get one cutom built, you'll be able to have the specs you want (although somewhat limited) and it'll save you money. If you're not very good with pc's/laptops then just ask someone to help you build it. Even the guys on here will be willing to help you. I trusted a computer whizz friend of mine to customize my new pc with the best possible specs for my price range and according to him It's saved me a lot of money. Good luck!
I would choose HP personally. There Laptops can be pretty cheap.
gateway is the best for laptops, very affordable with good performance
I bought my Gateway P-7811 last sept, and its really nice for just about anything (gaming, surfing, media ect)
I would go for gateway or toshiba.
Thanks for all the advice. I never thought of there being deals during tax time. I also forgot that I may be able to get one where my dad works. He works at a place where they fix computers and many times people never come back for their computer so they end up selling those. For now I can live with the one I have but I'm really unhappy that EVERYTHING on my other computer is pretty much gone now. I have all the pictures and videos of my son for almost the first year of his life. And of course all of our music but that can be replaced easily.