What would be the best laptop and software setup for an aspiring writer?

My friend is looking to a laptop that will be used primarily for her writing. I was thinking of suggesting to her some software as well - possibly software that types what she says outloud. I look foward to hearing suggestions. Thanks.

What would be the best laptop and software setup for an aspiring writer?
If you are just going to be using the laptop for word processing and email, you don't need to get a top of the line machine. Everyone has their favorite brand names, so I won't recommend a brand, but I would say go with a name that you know and not some generic brand like Ashire. For an aspiring writer you'd want to get her an office program. You could pay for Microsoft Office, or download Open Office for free. You wouldn't need an incredibly fast processor or too much memory for writing. I'd say a 1.5-1.7 MHz processor, and about 512 in memory would suffice. At least a 40G hard drive if not 60G. I would say that you'll have to spend about 600 - 700 dollars in order to get her a laptop that will last more than 6 months, unless you find a really good special. As for software that types what she says, there are a few links below to check out. I've never used them. I couldn't find any open source, so its something you'll have to pay for. If you have any other questions, let me know.
Reply:A mac book pro ( You can use open office --%26gt; wwww.openoffice.org ) Also it will need x11 installed prior to open office :) Short of that it will do a lot more then just that as well as voice recgonition etc.
Reply:All laptops should run Microsoft Word with no problems. I would recommend laptops with a built-in microphone (for any voice recognition software she plans to get), a large screen for easy viewing, a comfortable keyboard for typing, and a port replicator.





The port replicator allows you to easily hook up the laptop to standard sized monitors and keyboards. Again, this can reduce a lot of the wear and tear that writers may suffer from using a laptop all day long.
Reply:The best voice recogntion software is Dragon Naturally Speaking and you wear a headset to use it. For just writing, she will not need a highend/expensive laptop. The more expensive laptops have costly large widescreens and expensive video cards that make watching movies and playing games more enjoyable- but for writing, any screen is adequate. 512k of ram will make the computer run faster if she is using voice recogntion software. She can easily find a laptop for less the $1000 that will fit her needs- less than this if you find one with rebates. Also she will not need more than a 30 gig hard drive- the larger ones are for storing media such as pictures, movies, and songs.