The right laptop starts with the work it needs to do. For writing, web applications and video calls, a comfortable screen, reliable keyboard and good battery life matter more than a top-tier processor.
Memory has a direct effect on how smoothly several apps can run together. Storage capacity matters too, but external drives and cloud services make it easier to expand later than memory that is soldered in place.
Check the ports before buying. A slim machine that requires adapters for every monitor, card or accessory can become less convenient and more expensive than a slightly larger alternative.