For optimal audio handling, mixing and editing, you'll want a Microsoft DirectX- or ASIO-compatible sound card. It should have multiplexing capabilities (ability to play back and record simultaneously), as well as MIDI processing capabilities, for the greatest flexibility and creative options in the audio department.

A DVD burner capable of handling double-layer discs is highly desirable, with a Blu-ray Disc burner necessary for Blu-ray Disc creation. Another plus of the extra USB 2.0 ports mentioned earlier is the freedom they give you to add additional drives (such as Blu-ray Disc) if/when you need this capability, perhaps down the road a bit further.

I regularly receive e-mail notifications from Comp USA, Staples and other vendors, alerting me to special deals they have on laptop systems, and often the price for surprisingly robust systems is under $700 - a real bargain. (A few seriously tempted me at $499, even though I don't need another laptop right now!)

You can also go to the various manufacturers' websites to see what they're offering - sometimes you can save a real bundle on a factory-refurbished or reconditioned system that carries a full manufacturer's warranty.

And don't forget eBay - you never know what you'll find on the "world-wide garage sale" - sometimes you can get a really great deal on a used-but-not-abused pre-owned laptop that may just fill the bill nicely for what you need. The main thing is to know what you need - being an educated consumer is always your best bet!

Tom Benford has been writing about video, photography, filmmaking and myriad other subjects for over 30 years, and he has authored more than a dozen books.

Click here to download a PDF Manufacturer's list of Videomaker's Editing Laptop Buyer's Guide.