As everyone has said "it depends" ...
... this is a good mid-range laptop from a reputable manufacturer, at a good price from a company that I have used before & found to be reliable.
http://www.box.co.uk/Lenovo_G570_1167252.html
It will do pretty much anything you need except really 'hard-core' gaming - that would need better graphics and probably a faster processor.
You can pay less for a lower spec, but I'd always aim for at least 4GB RAM and 500GB hard drive. An hdmi port is useful - means you could run a lead to your TV for watching films etc.