What laptop do I need?

[Tails007..]

Looking for some advice please. I'm currently running after effects on my 7 year old MacBook Pro laptop. I'm considering an upgrade, primary use will be after effects (home user) web browsing, Excel etc.

I don't want to spend a fortune and am happy to pick something up second hand. Could anyone give me some recommendations on what I should look out for spec wise please on eBay, or what brands I should consider or perhaps avoid?

[Byron Cortez]

Surely there will be many recommendations here but I also suggest that you start by reading this article from Puget Systems that I find very interesting and complete.

[Tails007..]

Thanks Byron, that was a really interesting read, thank you. 

[Byron Cortez]

You're welcome!