Listed below are hints to remember when shopping for a laptop or notebook.

Try before you buy - It would help if you try some laptops out to determine which features you like. Screen view ability, keyboard feel, pointing device, and weight, are all decision factors when buying a laptop.
There is very little you can do about these things when you are traveling with the laptop. So, it is very important that you are comfortable with the feel and performance of the computer.

Processor
If you are buying a new notebook, try to buy a notebook with a processor from the "current category" at the fastest speed you can afford. Those considering notebooks in the non-current categories should only buy heavily discounted models.
Remember that notebook CPUs are mostly not upgradeable, so buy a notebook that is fast enough to meet your current and future processing requirements.

Less is More - Unless you are a serious traveler, don't buy a high-end laptop. Why? Because when you are paying double the price of a comparable desktop, newer features will cost you. You would be better off buying an older laptop that meets your mobility needs, and sinking the bulk of your money into a desktop.

Desktop Replacement? - No way! Laptops are inferior to desktop computers in all features except portability.
For example, let's look at the game playing potential of laptops. Odds are that even if you can play new games when you buy a laptop, within a year or so you will want to sell it so you can buy something faster to play the newest games.

Store Return Policy - Beware! Make triply sure that you can return the laptop for a refund if you don't like it (better stores allow returns of laptops up to 30 days after purchase for a full refund). Many stores have special rules on returning laptops - make sure you know them before you buy.

Warranties - Make sure you understand the laptop's warranty and how it will be repaired if it breaks. Remember that small and new companies' warranties are almost worthless as they may not be in business tomorrow.

Additional Maintenance Contracts - The more you move them, the greater the chance something will break. If it is important to you that your laptop is always working, you might want to buy the maintenance contract.
The total life of your laptop is three years, by then, it will no longer run new software of any kind efficiently and will sell for $500 or less.

Final Advice
The brand of the laptop is the most important thing. This determines the quality of the computer, warranty, and parts availability. Brand suggestions are Dell, Sony, IBM, and Toshiba. If you buy a laptop from one of these companies it should be a good product.