Need A Compewter

[momijifox]

    I have recently determined that I need to buy  myself a laptop computer.  The trouble is, I know very little about computers, especially when it comes to determining what I really need and what is just extra fat for extra money.  I want something that I can word process with, do homework, read manga on, watch dvds, listen to music, surf the internet, make power points, burn cds, and maybe burn dvds.  I wonder if I might also get one that I could use design and graphics software on, like Adobe's Creative Suite.  I'm not sure yet.  I also don't want to spend a huge amount of money.  I've been looking online at various sites trying to get some idea what I'll need. 
    Does anyone have advice for me?  I'm open to suggestions.