I have a superbudget laptop. OK it is really a desktop, but if I carry it in a bag with me and use it on my lap==laptop, no?
I would not buy a new PC. They are so dirt cheap second hand on them auction sites, and what can go wrong with them really? A 2 year old PC....decent spec. If a bit breaks just buy a new bit and pop it in.
Just demand authentic XP, with recovery disk and COA.
So so cheap.
I had a garbage old machine and bought the bits to upgrade it, 60 quid on ebay, now I'm brand spanking new.
Sore lap though :(