http://www.deals2buy.com/search/notebook

There's an HP for $700, though it's a larger 17" display; and one for $600 with a 15.4" display. Both pretty good specs and better than Toshiba IMHO.

Also there are some Dells in the $700s that look pretty reasonable. People either love Dells or hate them, so one must decide where one stands on that brand.

For a copy of Microsoft Office, use www.computersworth.com or her college's store if it's cheaper there; and if possible, she should check at the school for any school discount programs from Lenovo, Dell and/or others for both the hardware and the software.