Which laptop should I get?

I’m looking to pick up a new computer, but honestly, I’m feeling a bit lost on what actually matters when it comes to specs. What should I be looking for in terms of raw performance for individual parts—like the CPU, RAM, power supply, cooling, motherboard, or GPU?
Basically, when I walk into a store like Best Buy and start scanning those spec sheets, what should I actually pay attention to so I don't get ripped off? I want something reliable that won't just die on me in a couple of years like my current one did. That said, I need to keep the price somewhat reasonable, ideally under $1333. As for what I'll actually be doing with it, it's mostly web browsing, streaming movies, and some photo and video editing. I don't need a high-end gaming rig or anything.
I know there’s the option to buy all the components separately and pay someone to build it for me, but that feels like a massive headache, even though it's an idea I've been kicking around. If anyone has a specific model they’d recommend, that would be awesome, though I’m not sure if I’ll even find something exactly like that. Also, which brands are actually worth sticking with—maybe HP or Samsung?

You really ought to build your PC from scratch rather than buying one of those pre-built machines... I won't go into all the specifics right now—honestly, there have been a thousand threads on this forum already explaining why custom builds beat those "all-in-one" boxes—but you definitely want to pick out your own components. You should have probably posted this under the Desktop Builds section instead of IT Help, but no worries; the mods will likely move it over, and then some guys around here can help you put together a solid parts list.