My desktop is old, and we are moving and may very well be without our stuff for a while before we settle in. For now, I don't think I can lug or even mail my current computer or another desktop model. I need to have a good, functioning computer instead of my ipad or iphone. Eventually I plan on using it as a "desktop" and get a monitor.

Requirements:
windows
ports for scanner, printer, several ports to plug in backup drive and monitor
need a keyboard & mouse

I do not need it for gaming, nor any heavy duty processing. MS Office, Quicken, & Turbo Tax are my most used items. So real power isn't an issue. I do not need, or will I likely use, a touchscreen

I have never owned a laptop so I'm totally overwhelmed at the options out there. I keep computers until they are old My desktop is about 7 years old, and my previous computer was even older than that.

Can someone point me towards a brand and ideally, model? Pretty please

What plugs are the scanner, printer, back-up drive and monitor? Do you want native ports for the equipment you're keeping, or are you comfy with using adaptors if needed? A lot of laptops are moving to USB-C only and expect you to use a hub off the USB ports for anything you attach.

For the use you're describing, and without knowing the ports you need/prefer, I'd suggest looking at almost any of the mid-range Lenovo or Toshiba laptops. They both still turn out solid, durable, long-lived options. Expect something in the US$500-$750 range. Alternatively, if you're looking for a desktop later and the laptop idea is justa temp thing, then maybe a mini-computer? They will outperform most laptops for a given price point, and will have more ports and a greater variety of them. You can pick up good mini-computers for US$350-$500.

Some burning questions...

What size screen do you want? The three typical choices are... 13.3", 14", and 15.6". If you're unsure, I would highly recommend going to a store that sells laptops and compare the screen sizes.
How often do you think you'll be mobile with the laptop? A lot of people actually just plop it on a desk and never move it. When on a desk, the laptop is hooked up to a docking station (aka hub)--and from there, you can hook up an external monitor, scanner, printer, etc. to it. If you want to be mobile somewhat often, then weight and size should be a factor for you.
When mobile, how often are you going to need to print/scan? Does your printer and scanner have the abilities to operate on a wireless network?

Just for a bit of future proofing, I would highly recommend looking at 12th generation Intel processors, 16GB RAM (though 8GB should be absolutely fine for you), and 256GB SSD hard drive.

Any of the midrange consumer-grade laptops from the name brands would probably suit your needs. Add a USB hub for more ports. I agree with swede for min specs.

Acer netbook. 512gb for $299 in 2012. I still use it almost daily and it’s fine.

3 usb plus sssd - wireless mouse, printer cable, so a spare usb for storage etc

Costco has a 90 day return, try it,and they have tech support ll

My netbook is light weight like 2-3 pounds max. That�s why I love netbook. I�ve taken it all around Europe / Hawaii and other places. It�s so light. I love netbooks.

You realise this forum is not all about you? The OP asks a question, and you just respond with some random fact about yourself that has no relevance (Netbooks haven't been produced for about 10 years).

To the OP... As mentioned above, any Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba mid range would be good. Most will have some USB-A ports, along with the newer USB-C ports.

I own a Lenovo X280. While it's a few years old, it is an excellent performer.

Find something you like at Costco and be done with it.

Or one of these on Amazon - including refurbs that are great deals:

You might also consider a desktop all-in-one like this:
When you say printer and scanner ports: Everything these days plugs in via USB. Old style exclusive printer and scanner ports simply don't exist on modern laptops. If 2-3 USB ports are not enough for you, consider adding a USB hub like this:
I'm assuming you want a "common" laptop - 14 inch or 15 inch screen, running Windows 10 or 11. I recommend an Intel Core i5 processor or better; 8 GB RAM or more; 256GB hard drive or larger; ALWAYS a solid state drive (SSD), NEVER a spinning disk drive these days; screen resolution 1920x1080 or better.

I actually just bought at a replacement laptop this morning -- a 16 inch Dell Vostro 5620 Dell as currently having a semi-annual sale at their website and added on a wireless mouse since I lost my last one. Normally I would get an Inspiron but there was a really good deal on the Vostro and it has Windows 11 Pro. I have tried a few other PC brands over the year but have always end up back to Dell afterwards. I just get regular non-touch screen laptops. I have a big iPad Pro for app sort of things, the laptop is for real computer stuff.

FYI, Toshiba hasn�t made laptops for a few years.

The one comment I'd make on the above suggestions is that if you're into photography - let alone video - or think you might be during this computer's lifetime, get a 512G hard drive (more likely to be a solid-state drive today). Sensor pixel counts keep going up, file sizes track them (not the same, but more or less keeping the same relationship), and nobody wants to throw out old photos/videos if they don't have to. Most laptops give you that choice. The incremental cost of 512G over 256G is small and getting smaller. "I wish I had less storage space" said nobody, ever.

I also have to make the comment that any HP in your house should be a printer not a laptop

I'll see your anecdote and raise it with: HP printers are horrific.