Best computer brand for home/school use?

[anestheticstitch]

I deleted my other question to be more specific..

I have never owned a laptop before and I'd like to hear opinions about:

Dell
Gateway
Acer
Toshiba
ZT
(Macs are not in my price range! Sadly)

From my other question, most people said HP or Apple. Apple is too pricey for me and I already know HP is good, just trying to find something different.

Gateway has a couple that really interest me, but I heard they are unstable. I believe Acer and Toshiba are solid, and I've never heard of ZT. Dells seem to be a hit or miss with people.

Which do you think is the most stable/reliable? I want one that delivers good performance and won't crap out on me.

(I'm not a gamer so any opinions that have to do with gaming won't matter to me.)
ETA: I already know the specs I'm looking for. Just the brand I am worried about.

[Mimzy]

Of course HP is one of the best. The other one is Toshiba for a laptop. Do not waste your money on a Gateway. My grandson has one and I am sorry we got it for him. It is very unstable. I have also heard horror stories about Dell. For my money, I would either go with a Toshiba or HP.

[Kevin H]

Personally i believe ASUS creates the most stable laptops, however, i own a Dell and it works fine. If i were you i would find a few laptops i like and post the specs here and the yahoo answers community can help you out since the parts are most important.

[Kevin H]

Personally i believe ASUS creates the most stable laptops, however, i own a Dell and it works fine. If i were you i would find a few laptops i like and post the specs here and the yahoo answers community can help you out since the parts are most important.