Help selecting used laptop and peripherals to run debian woody

[Pierre B <pierrexspamx@xspamx.ogopogo.biz>]

I've been asked to help someone select and  buy a second hand
laptop and install debian (woody) on it.

I'm seeking advice concerning both trouble free installation,
and, more importantly, trouble free use.

  Laptops to favour.
  Laptops to avoid.
  Features to favour.
  Features to avoid.
  Peripherals to favour.
  Peripherals to avoid.
  Faults to be aware of.

  Considerations that are not obvious to someone
  who is experienced installing debian, redhat, mandrake and
  windows, but only on desktops?

  For context, the requirement is more for mobility and small
  footprint inside the building rather than frequent travel.

  Items of importance to user:

    Gnome desktop, Mozilla browser, Mozilla mail.

TIA
--
Pierre B.