(1)    Before you buy a computer you need to decide what your needs are. The first decision is whether you want to buy a Desktop Computer or a Notebook Computer. If you've already decided on getting a notebook computer, then you need to decide on the type of notebook computer. There are 3 main types of notebooks:
A) All-Purpose Notebooks (these are the middle of the road type, not too big or too small, not really heavy or really light
B) Desktop Replacement Notebooks (these are bigger and heavier than the All-Purpose type notebooks, Desktop replacement notebooks have the biggest screens and keyboards but are somewhat heavy, not something you'd want to be carrying around every day).
C) Ultraportable Notebooks: These are the lightest and most portable type of notebooks. They are designed for people that carry the notebook with them almost every day. The disadvantages are the screen can be hard to read and the keyboard can be cramped. Also, the price for these can be a bit higher for the similar features. This is because the portability of these light notebooks is highly prized by many.

(2) I used to always buy a desktop computer because for a given amount of money you could buy a faster computer or one that stored more information by buying a desktop instead of a notebook. Portability was not a factor for me until I moved overseas. It was impractical to bring a desktop computer from the US, so I decided to buy a notebook computer. Since I would not be moving the notebook often, I chose to get a desktop replacement notebook. The ability to pick up the whole computer and put it in a carrying case has appealed to me. Plus even on a desk they take up less space. So, I really enjoy the notebook type and am not sure if I'd switch back to a desktop. One disadvantage to the notebook's portability is that it's also easier to get stolen.

(3) For you, if you've decided you'd prefer a notebook instead of a desktop computer, I suggest you think about how often you will be moving the computer. If you'll be moving it often, then you should buy an Ultraportable Notebook. If you know you won't be moving it often, then buy a Desktop Replacement notebook. If you are not sure how often you'll be moving it, then I'd suggest an All-Purpose Notebook.

(4) After you've decided which type of notebook you want, then I'd decide on Brands that you want. I like Dell and once I switched from Apple computers in 2000, I've only owned Dell computers. Lenovo Notebooks (formerly IBM's notebook division) have the best reputation among business users. Sony is often considered to have the most stylish and best looking notebooks (behind Apple). Hewlett Packard and Toshiba also make some solid notebooks but are nothing special in my book.

(5) After deciding which brand, then you need to decide the specifications that you want for the notebook.

(A) Display Size: First and foremost is the LCD screen. I'd recommend a 15.4" display for a desktop replacement notebook, a 14.1" display for an All-Purpose Notebook and a 12.1" display for an ultraportable notebook.

(B) Display Resolution: Higher Resolution is generally better for text movies and pictures, but some web sites look strange on high resolution computers. Here's what I recommend for most people: for a 15.4" display 1280x800 resolution, for a 14.1" display 1024x768 resolution, for a 12.1" display either 1024x768 or 1200x768 resolution. If you will mainly be viewing text, graphics and movies but few websites, then you’d like the highest resolution available: for a 15.4” display 1920x1200, for a 15.0” display 1600x1200, and for a 14.1” display 1400x1050.

(C) Processor: the processor gets way too much emphasis by most people and the media. I think you want parts that work well together. Any Intel Pentium M processor is good. Intel Celeron M processors are good too but don't have the battery saving aspects of the Pentium M. Intel's latest processors, the Core Duo and the Core Solo are a little faster than the Pentium M varieties but are overkill for most people. AMD has a processor called the AMD Turion 64 which has received good reviews.

(D) Memory: I recommend at least 512 MB of memory for using windows XP. For most people, myself included, I think that's enough. 384 MB is the bare minimum that I recommend with Windows XP. As with everything in computers, and especially memory, more is better. When Windows Vista is launched it will probably need at least 1,024 MB to run smoothly.

(E) Hard Drive: 40 GB or more is sufficient for most people. If you will be storing LOTS of video files, MP3s or JPG files then you may need a higher capacity drive. Another specification often overlooked is the revolution speed of the hard drive. Typical speeds are 4200 RPM, 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM. 4200 RPM drives can seem a little sluggish. I recommend a 5400 RPM for most people. A 7200 RPM drive would be great, I lust after one, but they cost more. Currently I have a 5400 RPM drive.

(F) Optical Drive: there are 4 things that a optical drive can potential do: 1) read CDs 2) make CDs 3) read DVDs 4) make DVDs. The advantage of making CDs and DVDs is that it's an easy way to backup your data. I recommend getting either one that can do #1,2,& 3 (called a CDRW/DVD Combo drive) or one that can do all four (usually called a DVD+RW drive).

(G) Internal Wireless Internet Card - I recommend getting a notebook with a wireless Internet card. Although any one is fine for accessing the Internet, for transferring files over a wireless network 802.11G is noticeably faster than 802.11B.
But for most people, I wouldn't pay extra for the G version.

(H) Modem - I recommend getting a notebook with an internal modem. Any modem is fine.

(I) Video Card - a separate video card is NOT necessary for most people but if you do get one it's a plus.

(6) Next you need to decide about how much you want to pay and if you can reasonably purchase a computer that has the specifications that you want for the price you want to pay. If you only want to pay a certain amount and you can't buy a computer with fast specifications, then you'll have to buy one with lower specifications.

(7) Finally, when looking for a notebook on Ebay be sure to read the description carefully, confirm what the shipping costs will be, and ask questions that you may have. A good seller will respond to all questions. Happy notebook hunting.