What to Consider when buying your new laptop

I know it is college time and back to school time so lately I have been asked the age old question what kind of laptop do I need to buy my son or daughter..better yet myself.

My first question is How much money are you wanting to spend?  Depending on how much you are willing to invest tells me how serious you are.  Now I am not saying lets spend $1500 on a laptop or computer like I did 15 years ago on an IBM.