You say a "New" lap top so I presume that your old one was not running Windows 7. Been using W7 for a couple of months and it is good. Must be easy to use as I made the transition from XP easily with only a few hiccups. One problem is W7 uses memory so get at least 4gb of memory installed- more if you can get it. Fastest processor that you can afford within your budget and a screen size you are comfortable with. Other than that- Just open YOUR wallet and get the wife her next years birthday- anniversary and Christmas present all rolled into one. It will be cheaper in the long run.