Need Laptop Advice

We need to buy a replacement laptop, preferably for under $750. We have had several Dells with which we have been extremely happy, one Gateway with which we had some issues, one Compaq that was a nightmare. Want Windows (yes, I know all the virtues of the Mac but can't run 9/10 of my software on them and can't afford one), suppose will have to learn Vista since it doesn't seem like anyone is loading XP anymore. Anyone have either a great or terrible laptop recommendation or warning within that price range? Advice about Dell or Toshiba in particular would be appreciated!