How should I go about buying a turntable?

I'm looking into buying my mother a vintage turntable for christmas. Being a 16 year old youngin', I know absolutely nothing about them. I want to play vinyls, lps, and of course, records. Also I don't want the type that plays CDs and is all 'refurbished' fake vintage. I'd really like to get a genuine record player, with a wooden cover.

I'm looking on E-bay, but I'm weary of the condition. I don't really know what to look for in deciding what 'good condition' is. And this sounds stupid, but how does the sound come out of the turntable? Do I need to buy separate speakers? What are some reliable brands? I think Dual is a brand, right? Are there key terms I need to know when looking for turn tables? C'mon oldsters, school me!!