Novice needs advice

Okay, guys, I am a long time Mac user, but even with the Mac, I've only done the minimum, word processing, internet, etc. Now, I believe I need a PC laptop and am bewildered by the many choices in brands, options, software, etc. Many programs I propose using are at this time unavailable in Mac versions. If anybody knows about the new Mac laptops with the Intel chips, would appreciate hearing some opinion of them, but wonder about continued software incompatability, so at this point am looking mainly at PCs.

I will be using the laptop in the field with a GPS unit and map programs. I would also like to scan photo prints and burn to CDs. I won't be doing music downloads or gaming. I need a sturdy, dependable unit that can stand a little rough handling in a vehicle in the middle of nowhere with lots of dust and heat. Would also like wireless internet capability. No doubt I am unaware of current PCs' many capabilities, and I as a true newbie.

Any suggestions for brand, speed, capacity, etc? Many of the things listed in ads as attributes of PCs mean nothing to me. Also have heard that Microsoft will introduce a new version of Windows later this year. What will that do to current models and is there any logic in waiting for the new version? Any help will be appreciated.