The laptop can be older- has to be (pardon my lack of computer knowledge terms) able to hook up to the internet wireless.
Doesn't have to have a lot of memory- enough workablilty for the person to go online- Play games and access their email.
The person this is for has a very limited budget and pretty much disabled - and a new (for them) computer would help to pass many hours. The one he had fried!!
I will mention that the person does have quite a bit of computer knowledge....so setting it up is an ability they do have!