Yes, that's a good point. I'll be sure it has adequate specs in those regards, I just don't often buy laptops and some of them that you would think would have a webcam and 4 pole audio port don't seem to specify having them. For example, the Swift 3 series has been favorably mentioned in a review of webcam laptops, and the model kisted first below seems nice enough of a laptop to have the webcam and 4 pole audio port, but they aren't listed in the specs. Even the more expensive model in the link below that doesn't list a webcam or a combined headset/mic audio port.
The other specs don't have to be that great, it's for basic use, not heavy gaming, etc. Do either or both of these models have both a webcam and headset/mic combined port? As for general hardware specs, average cpu is fine, and 8GB ram is ok, 512+ on the storage is ok, and having the graphics on the cpu is adequate. And as long it delivers on the needed hardware for the right price range, the weight is not a big issue, it can be super light or not, either way is fine. The budget for this system is unfortunately limited. But the webcam and 4 pole headset/mic audio port are required. Feel free to suggest any models that have the both of those things and keeps the cost under 1k, preferably around 700 or so. Thanks very much for any advice, I appreciate it.
https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/NX.HJFAA.001
https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/NX.A4KAA.004