Hi mrsD, sounds like your about to make a new purchase!! That is so cool! You probably wont have the wireless problems on the new one because it is all built in, and especially if it is Windows 7. That OS takes all the hard stuff out and just connects like a breeze.

I have used those cooling stands, it made me feel like it was safer but it started makin noises and I havent used it since LOL. Best is to not put it on top of bed, pillows, clothes, or anything that will constrict the air flow.

Here is a video on how to change out the hdd in the old one in casr you might want to do that later on for a back up puter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg_EhfPcZX4

You will be totally surprised at the ease LOL!