Message #306619

[mtmerrick]

6 vs 8 GB of RAM will really only make a difference on higher end programs. If you're gaming, HD video editing, using Photoshop, ecru, get more ram. If you're not, won't make a difference. And 6 is plenty for even light gaming (portal, LU, and minecraft all run fine on 4 gb with my first Gen i3)

Most important specs to look at on a laptop are processor and graphics.

For graphics, you want a midrange or better (ask a techie) GPU by nvidia or ATI(aka AMD) if you're doing anything I listed above. If your just doing basic stuff, Intel onboard graphics will be fine. I don't know how AMD onboard graphics stack up. God graphics can dramatically increase the performance of your computer.
 
CPUs (processors) are the most important part of your computer. The stronger your CPU the longer your computer will live and the better performance it can have. In my (and most other people's) experience/opinion, Intel has far better CPUs than 'equivalant' AMD chips.
If you get yourself less than a sandy bridge (2000 series) i3 you're screwing yourself over.
Intel is coming out with new ivy bridge (3000 series) processors within the next few months. You may want to hold out for these - or at least the sandy bridge chips that will be significantly marked down because of the new products.

Other things you should look at are the screen (resolution and technology) the optical drive (CD, DVD, bluray, or none?) whether it has Bluetooth, and the biggest one most people forget:

BATTERY LIFE!!!!!!!