Choosing a laptop for the less tech-savvy

So I was recently called by one of my friends to help her pick out a laptop for college. With all of the variables that factor into it, I told her I'd help her in person, since there are quite a few things I'd have to clear up and explain to her.

Now I'm pretty knowledgeable about computers and would have no problem picking my own laptop, but my friend isn't the most tech-savvy person (obviously, hence the title) in the world so I'm wondering what's worth telling her and what would go completely over her head. So any ideas? What would be the most important things to go over with her in making a laptop choice? Any laptop suggestions would be appreciated!

EDIT: I would have told her to get some form of Macbook since that's the path of least future hassles, but she's on a budget, a budget that does not include Macbooks.