I Need a Laptop!

Ok, so I have a new obsession and it's driving me crazy. I really, really want to get a laptop. At first I just wanted a portable DVD player. Then I thought, why stop there? Why not get a laptop that can also be a DVD player? Right?! I've been sitting here at work looking at Best Buy, Dell, and Circuit City. Yes, I'm obsessed.

So anyway, I've asked my brother to help me with this little project. I need to find a good one that won't totally break me. I mean, I have money to spend on one, I do... but I still don't want to spend that much. I thought it would be handy to have while in nursing school .... there will be a few days that I have to stay in Scottsdale during the week and it would be nice to have with me to do my homework. However... I'm a little worried about the wireless internet thing. I don't necessarily want to get wireless service... just a computer with the card built in. But how many places really have wireless internet access? I don't even think I can use it at my hospital... but can I plug it in to our computers that have access? I don't know anything about anything.

Anyway, if you know anything, please fill me in. Is it a good investment? What do I do about the internet? Where should I buy one from? Can I hook it up to any printer? What else, what else?! Thanks! :)