Right laptop recommendation?

I am confused about the network configuration.

How does the XP machine connect to the Internet? Is it directly connected to a modem either by USB or Ethernet; or is their a router and the XP machine connects either by Ethernet or WiFi?

Is the XP machine providing Internet Connection Sharing and the PS4 connects to the Internet through the XP machine?

I recommend using a wireless router as the connection to the Internet, with the PS4 connected by Ethernet to the router (possibly using Powerline adapters if it is a long way from the point where the Internet comes into the house). Then I suggest that she gets a laptop and connects to the network using WiFi. She can keep the XP machine until she is happy with the laptop, and all her files and applications are working properly on the laptop.

For the moment, I would stick with Windows 8.1 and possibly wait until next March/April before thinking about upgrading to Windows 10. Win 10 still seems to have a number of issues. I have two machines I am keeping on Windows 8.1, and one machine I am using to explore just what Windows 10 has to offer.

Virtually any laptop priced at $400 US or above should be fine for the sort of usage you have outlined. Netflix is probably the most demanding of the uses you describe.

Email me if you want to discuss the network set up further. I note that you are already set up to receive emails. So am I.

I hope this helps a little.

The type of use you describe almost any modern laptop (or desktop for that matter) will be fine. Make sure is supports 5mhz Type N wifi. Some only support 2.5 mhz and that is slower. After that the slowdown will be your ISP internet connection