Depends totally on what you want to use it for. I would say... (1) a DVD drive. Apart from being able to read/write larger volumes than a CD, you never know when you might want to watch a movie when travelling. (2) A fast Hard Drive. Some laptops come with slower drives - it really affects performance. (3) Plenty of memory (2gb at least for XP, consider up to 4gb for Vista) to avoid swapping which kills performance. (4) A dedicated video card rather than integrated. This bumps up the price a bit, but it improves the performance and also the graphics. (5) A higher resolution screen. Laptops come with different quality LCD screens. You pay more for a high end one, but it's worth it in the end if you want to do anything graphical, or to play games. (6) A larger battery. The standard one doesn't always last long enough. Most laptops have an option to purchase a larger battery. My Dell Vostro battery lasts 3 1/2 hours, even though it's a year old. (7) Integrated Wireless. Almost all laptops now come with that, but it's taen for granted. (8) Built in Webcam. Some now come with a built on webcam in the lid. I opted for this on mine, but didn't think I would use it much and that I would probably get a separate webcam. Boy was I wrong. It's so convenient having one built in, especially if on the move and wanting to video chat etc. (9) The ability to use a docking station. More for the business user, a docking station allows you to slot the laptop in and the keyboard, mouse and monitor plus your power and network hookups are already attached. Most corporate employees using laptops have these at work. My Vostro does not have this - odd that Dell didn't build it in, but I don't need that anyhow - at least not yet. That's all I can think of... Hope it helps...

Memory card readers for cameras and such. Also, productivity software like Microsoft Office.

I think that above everything poddys said, I highly recommend a couple of USB hubs that you can daisy-chain and at least one external HD. Or you can have three, like me! :)

Thanks. I didn't even touch on software... There are plenty of Open Source options to replace things like MS Office (Word, Excel etc) for free. But that's another whole chapter...

Pretty good list already there but here are some other points from a picky user: 1) Raised area around the touchpad (so you can feel the edges in the dark). 2) Non-touch sensitive buttons (these tend to turn on randomly and are sometimes a pain with dry hands). 3) A physical volume control of some sort - wheel. (Good luck finding this anymore but it's nice to have it and be able to quickly raise or lower the volume versus using a key combo FN + whatever or using the OS controls. 4) Non blinding LED indicators. Some of the newer laptops have blue LEDs that are simply blinding in the darkness when you are trying to watch a movie or something. 5) A separate numberpad area like on a full keyboard. If you use the number keys a lot, the lack of a numberpad becomes immediately apparent on a cramped laptop keyboard. 6) A hard switch for your built-in wireless card. Having a physical switch and indicator light is nice when you don't need the wireless and want to make sure it's off. (Same goes for a built in webcam or whatever else)

Accessories. The worst thing I see happen to new laptop owners is when they don't think to buy needed accessories at point of sale. Things like an extra battery, which after a year or so of the laptop's life, may not be available from the manufacturer anymore. Then you have to depend on 3rd party sources which can get quite expensive. Same goes for a docking station.

toshiba is supposed to have batteries that last a long time. a laptop should be able to run for several hours. it isnt meant to be hooked up to a plug in the wall. placement of the fan outlet is important. instead of on the bottom, it is better coming out of the side. extra usb ports is good. wireless inside is good. bundled software is nice. insurance is good...it is expensive. but if someone steps on the screen and cracks it, or you drop it and oh my...good insurance is hard to beat.