[stomachmonkey]

Well I use both Macs and Windows boxes, desktops as well as laptops. I have owned every model of Mac laptop made for the last 15 years.

So my opinion is actual first hand experience.

I'll NEVER carry anything other than a Powerbook as my primary box.

There will be many who will say that you can get more software for a PC. Not true. Every major piece of commercial software is available for both platforms and they are completly compatable.

In fact you can get open source stuff like OpenOffice, a direct alternative to the Microsoft suite, Word Excell, Powerpoint, for free and it opens and saves the MSFT format.

The price delta between the iBook and Powerbook is slightly faster processor, much better graphics chipset, Firewire 400 vs regular Firewire. The iBook comes in 12 and 14 only, the Powerbook is available as 12, 15 or 17.

I currently have a 15 and 17. Both awesome machines.

So to address your list.

1) 12 or 14 in iBook
2) anything will do, Mac or Windows
3) Macs pre installed Mail app, or download the Mozzila suite, has a built in mail client that's pretty good. Keeps your surfing and mail all in one app. Plus you can edit web pages in it.
4) Office X, $$$ or Openoffice, free
5) nothing does this better than a Mac, I'd opt for the 15 inch Powerbook.

Just be prepared to deal with a Mac. Most Windows users have a real difficult time adjusting. They have been conditioned to approach every task from the most difficult, bass ackwards angle possible.

You have to be prepared to embrace a simpler more logical way to get results.

The biggest performance hit on a laptop is the hard drive, the fastest you'll get from the factory is 5400 rpm.

Regardless of which you buy, Mac or PC, your first upgrade should be the Hitachi 60 gig 7200 rpm drive. Makes ALL the difference.

Oh yeah, when was the last time a Mac user crapped themselves over a virus threat?

It's why a lot off computer security professionals carry a Mac, security is much better.