A very open question but we've all been there. I found the best thing to do is decide on a budget and get the best you can for that price. So say it was �500 then, although that buys a lot of laptop these days its better than having no idea. Most will have a CD/DVD burner and so try to get the one with the most memory which is the most important thing in any PC or laptop. Don't worry one jot about the actual processor speed number - stick to any AMD or Intel dual core CPU and stay away from the more basic Sempron/Celeron processors (unless you really are not fussy, they are actually ok). Check that the screen size/quality is ok for you and the HD size is practical for you (don't pay extra for GBs that you don't really need - pay for the memory instead). Of course if memory, screen size, and HD size are ALL important then you may need to up your budget, and especially if brand name is important as well. The lesser brands such as Medion make good laptops these days anway though a Sony will tend to be better built and more stylish. That's very subjective of course so you have to decide for yourself. Finally, where to buy from. I like to see and feel before I buy then get it online. Last one I bought from the Dell Outlet which sells refurbs. Otherwise places like CCLonline and ebuyer.com com to mind, or even your local supermarket.. There's too much choice really.Hope this helps.