How to buy a laptop reddit

I'll be using it to mostly watch movies/TV series in high def and browse internet, along with uni work. I may also sometimes edit home videos.

Which brands should I avoid?
What are useless features which look good at first but all they do is increase the prices?
I tend to use a laptop over many years (I've been using my current laptop for 9 years) so which are brands that last?
Is there a specific sub where I'll get a better answer?
Also do answer any other questions which I may have missed due to my lack of knowledge regarding computers.

Edit: I'm looking for 17 inches since I mostly will be watching HD movies and HD streaming. And my range is somewhere between US $ 1000-1500.