What is a good Laptop brand? and what should I look for when I buy one? HELP!!?

My last laptop was a Toshiba Satellite (had it for 3 yrs) and it was horrible. My sister has had a compaq for the last 3 years and it has run well. All my Toshiba ever did was run out of memory, battery and get viruses. I need a trusted brand. All I ever see in store is the Hp's, Dell's, Toshiba's, Compaq's and Asus'. And if I'm buying a laptop - what is important to look out for?? I'm going into my first year of University and I need word processor etc. And should I get one with virus protection? Because I find no point in them. And would it be better with firefox.. I NEED ADVICE!!
Thanks

- Price matters but I care about the quality more. (I live in Australia)
And what should I do with my old toshiba if it doesn't even load properly and someone has already tried fixing it??