Feel free to use this as a guide to turntable specifications but, when buying decks, take the time to look closely at whatever you consider for condition (if second hand), build quality, features, sound and layout.

Drive  -  Direct or Belt driven?  DJs who have used good direct drive decks will usually recommend that you do not consider buying belt drive.  Unless your budget eliminates the option, and you can't save up the extra cash, then get direct drive decks for an easier learning process and smoother mixing.  You'll have to work harder to mix with belt drives.  However, many DJs say they have gained extra confidence in the process.

Torque  -  This is the pulling strength of the motor or 'turning force'.  A strong motor will make life easier for you; your records will start faster and reach the right speed quicker; you won't need to develop a light touch for fear of slowing the platter too much.  Quality decks, which are best for mixing, do tend to have higher torque.  The ever popular Technics decks however, don't boast a very high starting torque but they are still the most widely regarded and proffesionally used deck.

Motor  -  Further technical info on the motor.  -  Motors with more Poles rotate smoother and so generate less noise.

Weight  -  In conjunction with good design and construction, weight will tell you two useful things about a turntable:  1. The heavier it is, the less likely that it will pick up vibration and noise from it's environment (e.g. knocks to the table it's on, or bass vibrations travelling through the floor).  2. Roughly, the extent to which the manufacturer pays attention to detail on that deck.

Description  -  Other information about the deck.  -  A wider range of Pitch control will allow you to mix records with a greater difference in tempo.  Many DJs use turntables with only 8% pitch but don't miss the extra control because most of their records are similar tempos.  Listen to your records' tempos and ask yourself how 'experimental' you want to be with your mixing.