CPU : Pentium Mobile Processor
Ram : Minimum 512 MB / Preferably 1GB Ram
Video : Pretty much either NVIDIA or ATI with it's own dedicated ram .
Intergrated Video with shared ram is off my list.
The ATI and NVIDIA Video systems often allow you to run dual monitors at once under Windows XP.
This is a great time saver for me when building sites as you can check updates live without flipping back and forth between pages.
And I look for a Brand that has Good Backup and after sales service, Parts Availability for many years.
I bought this Toshiba Notebook almost 3 years ago and my screen hinges broke recently. Mind you I've lugged this notebook everywhere..used it every day and it's been dropped ,stood on my by 4 year old son so it was not a warranty job
They sourced parts and had replaced the whole screen cover,both hinges top cover of laptop base and charged me $176 AUD including Labour. They also Updated the Bios and applied Fresh Thermal paste to my CPU and gave the Notebook a good cleaning.
I got it back as good as new in under 24 Hours
So always consider no matter which brand you buy ,where is thier service centere and whats the average turn around time 4 repairs should you need them.
Toshiba keep replacement parts for thier notebook ranges for 7-8 years. Not sure how long others do this for.
Regards,
Wicked1