I need advise on what laptop I should get or should I keep the one I have?

Depends on what you want, and what you'll use it for. If you just get online and do papers, you don't need a lot of extra stuff. If you play games or do art (3D or Photoshop type programs) you need a good processor/video card combo.

I tend to stray away from HP as their bigger PCs have had heat issues but they are a good company. Dells I like because they're customizable. Macs are good because they don't bog down the OS but you have to know how to use it and there are some program compatibility issues. Toshiba is a good lower price range notebook.

I tend to look for a better processor, video card, and more hard drive space than more RAM on a laptop. This is because the RAM is the easiest to upgrade and not usually that expensive. I just got 2GB of ram for my brother's laptop for only $25. If you're an artist I would definately go for the MAC. But look at the specs of what you're getting for the money and what you'll use it for. If the think pad does what you need it I would save the money as the job market is a little slim right now for graduates (I just graduated myself).

Acer is actually a really good lower priced laptop choice right now. I personally would go for the Dell, as I love the support they give and the customization. Go through their website over a store like Best Buy because you will get a better deal. If you're willing to wait till November, they do great deals on laptops for black Friday (there are websites that will post ads). Newegg.com and Tigerdirect.com are also good places.

It really depends on how you want to use your laptop. I've read many reviews, and it sounds like graduated students need ultra-portable laptop. If your mom's laptop works fine, and you want to save some money, your mom's laptop is the best choice. If you want to buy a new laptop, I would suggest you to get a new model of Thinkpad. However, Dell has a better look.

Buy a little air compressed can with a straw and direct it to the heatsink fan and that should remove excess dust, after that test the temps of the heatsink, after that if that hasn't worked buy some thermal paste for computers and watch a few youtube videos how to apply it, then put some on it and then test the temps of it. Or just make sure you don't cover the exhaust fan.

I personally have a Dell Inspiron and I love it! However, you need to think about saving money..if you aren't rich LOL. I paid about 700.00 for my Dell from Best Buy and I believe for an extra 100-200.00 you can get a yr's warranty for it. It does not cover viruses BUT they also can install all the virus and ad-ware protect for I think another 150.00

It really depends on how you want to use your laptop. I've read many reviews, and it sounds like graduated students need ultra-portable laptop