Knowing that several AP members are in the IT industry, I need some advice.
I need to buy a new laptop/notebook. I know that I need around 2ghz processor and 2gb ram.
All I need it for is internet, basic Microsoft Office program use and downloading from my video camera to make an burn simple dvd movies. I don't play games on the laptop.
Any advice what to buy or brands to avoid?

Depends on how much you want to spend.  Are you able to salary sacrifice a laptop through work?

I've always been a Windows man, but having worked with Macs for the past 12 months it maybe something to consider.

2GB RAM would be the minimum too.  4 is preferable for either, although Vista will only use 3 if running 32bit version.  Macs not an issue.