Laptop Dying! suggestions?

Well this laptop is 6 yrs old now. Ive replaced the hard drive once before. Everynight for the last 5 days I get a warning that the hard drive is failing and I need to have it replaced. Computer locks up at least 5 or 6 times each night and has to be rebooted. So its time for something new. Is it a note pad, IPad or another laptop. Im not a computer savey person but I know I need something with a USB port. So whats the best options out there. Dont really want to spend a lot because its money Im taking from the car resto. Oh I travel almost every weekend so I need to throw it into a case and take it with me so it needs to be tough as well. I dont do gaming or movies. Basically the forums and surfing the web for the car stuff. Maybe would use it to watch MLB baseball!
Thanks
Rod