When we talk about average consumer we talk about people like you and me that enjoy internet browsing, emailing, some work and play some games: not a professional in software or, programming so most likely you do not need to purchase the most expensive latest ones. Laptops on sale, made a couple of years ago will meet your needs and save you hundreds of dollars.
Will you use your computer at business meetings or take it to family trips? If that is the case choose a lightweight one and do not forget to purchase a carrying bag with resistant straps. If you will use it mostly at home, then you won’t need such a compact light one that might be more expensive. Besides you can choose a wider screen that will save your eyes some effort.
If you plan to take advantage of a dsl connection and download music and movies you will need an optical drive such as DVD-CD/RW to store you files and a higher RAM (Random Access Memory) to assure a faster performance. If you will also play games Video RAM will matter as well. So decide the use you will do of your laptop as these mentioned features would noticeably increase the price.
You are an average user not an expert so please make sure your laptop has a good warranty, especially when buying very cheap laptops or notebooks on sale. If you buy a top of the line expensive laptop I suggest an extended warranty for a few dollars. Check for customer support service availability too. It is upsetting having a problem with your computer and not being able to solve it right away.
If you will be taking it on travels frequently three suggestions apply: purchasing a long life battery, an extra one and insurance against loss or theft. Again, depending on your particular needs and budget you can lower your costs buying a refurbished laptop. This is suitable for average consumers that use them just a couple of hours a day mainly for Internet surfing or emailing and sometimes better quality that new cheap laptops.
Finally, ask for a laptop with enough USB ports and memory upgrade capability. Once you start enjoying your laptop you can get more into it and require more. You might want to get some plug in devices and more speed and memory. It is definitely cheaper and easier to upgrade it instead of buying a new one again.
Just because you’re buying a laptop for sale doesn’t mean you can’t get what you want. Shop around and don’t give up. Your new laptop is waiting for you! 
I am looking for the Toshiba Qosmio F55-Q504 15.4-Inch Laptop (2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Proces vista ultimate 64 bit