Gigs, hardrives, ram and all that stuff

I want to purchase a laptop/notebook. I do email, word, quicken and some use of the MLS system which is large, but it doesn't stay in my computer. I see some sales on HPs that have 1 gig memory, 1 gig harddrive, for $279. Price sounds pretty good, but is it enough?? I don't do games movies or music. I am too old to ever had any schooling in this stuff, can you help me?? I do want it to be quick and I don't want to run out of space. There is one with 1 gig memory and 160 HD, 128 shared memory (which I have no idea what that is either) Anything you can tell me to make a knowledgeable decision would be appreciated.

Grandma Carole