Help me choose?

So, I'm a senior at school and starting college this fall. I don't know a thing about computers, but I was rec'd Samsung and the prices are good, so..Can you recommend me something, considering that:

1) I want it to be light and not too big
2) 1400x700+ screen would be good..basically, 14'' I think (?)
3) I don't play games. I occasionally may download a movie or two, but I tend to delete it after I watch. I don't need lot of memory, but I'd like it to be fast and the sound be average or above average (I heard Samsung laptops have bad sound).
4) I want it to work well and crush rarely/never.
5) Want it to last for *at least* 4 years.
6) Price is an issue. The lower - the better.
7) Design kinda matters..so if you'd provide pic's/links, I'd be happy.
8) I'm not decided on major *at all* so there's a chance that I may even thing about Comp Sciences/Engineering..and I want that not to be an issue.


Thanks)

 

I would recommend that you fill in this form and post it in the What Notebook Should I Buy forum.

You can mention in that form that Samsung has been suggested to you, but people may suggest other models that better fit your needs. For example, Dell Latitude notebooks bought from Dell Outlet can provide business durability / warranty at consumer notebook prices.

John