MacBook Pro as a gift

I'm thinking of buying a MacBook Pro 17" as a gift for my partner for Xmas. This would also be replacing a PC. I'm pretty much computer illiterate. Is there anything that you would make sure you added as an upgrade? Is there anything that can't be upgraded once you own it?

Sorry in advance if these questions sound stupid.

The Ram, hard drive and OS can be upgraded

The processor and graphics card cannot

Once you have the spec, the folks on here will be better able to give you more specific advice

Thing to remember, and I say this to everyone about every piece of electronics out there.
Buy the best you can afford.

When it comes to laptops, get the best processor and video card possible - they cannot be upgraded. Even at the expense of a better/higher capacity hard drive and more memory.