How to Buy a New Laptop Without Future Regrets

Things to consider

Screen
Glossy or matte?
Glossy - If you see yourself working outdoors or where there are unpredictable lighting e.g. in cafes, then it will be difficult to see the screen if using glossy. Matte screen won't give you this effect.
Matte - Becoming uncommon these days at a value-for-money price

Weight
Do you intend to move around much, e.g. moving laptops from home to workplace, and vice versa?
Lightweights tend to around 1.5kg; anything above 2kg.

Sound system
Laptops these days tend to have speakers which face downwards (towards the ground), rather than toward you, leaving a rather flat sound experience if you prize getting the most out of gaming experience.