Purchasing a new laptop. What to look for?

[454_72_4X4]

Well, looks like I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and buy a new laptop.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=328904

Just lookin for opinions on a few things to look for.

First my current HP DV1000 has served me pretty good and I really like the 14.1 screen size, so I'm thinkin I'd like to stay with the small size if possible.
(I use it for GPS navigation quite alot and it fit's on my vehicle stand I built)

Budget is kinda undetermined I guess since I'm broke right now anyway. I may get desperate and talk to my banker though....Hahaha

Questions;

Good brands?
Can XP still be had on new computers, or is Vista better/worse? (I heard alot of bad stories on Vista when it first came out)

I see most of the specs today make mine look small everywhere. (originally 60gb hd, 4200 rpm, 2gb max memory...) Now it has a 7200 rpm 60gb hd, since the original died last year.

What specs should I look for for a "faster" computer? Mine was pretty satisfactory before it began to die... But it never hurts to upgrade!

Things I'd like to have;
14.1 screen (or similar)
XP (familiar with it...LOL)
Ability to burn CD and DVD's.
A few USB ports.

About all I can think of right off hand. Those are probably all pretty standard things nowdays anyway.

Any opinions, ideas, suggestions will be appreciated!

Thanks in advance.