$500 notebook for grandma

[boomhower]

My Grandmother just called and needs a new notebook. Just general grandma uses, nothing intense. 15"-17", I would prefer i3, she would like a lighted keyboard if possible. I am not going to be able to touch it so something with the least amount of crapware would be nice. Usually I am up to date on this stuff but I have diverged recently and am out of the loop. Suggestions?

 

[Gillbot]

dell outlet

 

[Soccerman06]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+...=1218242899061

 

[Lanyap]

dell outlet

This. Dell Studio 15 - 1558 looks like your best bet for back-lit keyboard and I3. That's what popped up when I used "back-lit keyboard" and "Windows 7" for the search criteria. They have a 15% off coupon but today is the last day it's active.
http://twitter.com/delloutlet

This is just an example. Same warranty as new. I have a 1558 from an outlet deal and it's a very nice model.

Description
Studio 15 - 1558
Date & Time: 1/3/2011 7:51:35 AM
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Studio 15 - 1558 Qty 1
Studio 15 - 1558 Laptop Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium Unit Price $539.00
Save 15% on all Dell Outlet Home Laptops and Desktops!
Expires Monday, January 03, 2011 View Details
- $80.85


Studio 15 - 1558 Laptop 6WGX5
Palmrest 1C0V2
Shipping 3MHY4
15.6 inch High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife 747H7
Operating System DVD CP1VF
Processor: Intel Core i3-350M Processor (2.26GHz, 3M cache) CWC4J
Service Software D2T16
Operating System DVD D9KVP
Processor Label FF04M
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs) G040H
Back-lit Keyboard G484K
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD G940P
Label H220N
Software J019D
Dell Support 2.0 Software J206C
64BIT Operating System J6XND
Scratch & Dent K8035
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 KJRR7
Power DVD Software M017R
Software M239M
65W AC Adapter MH4Y4
6 Cell Primary Battery MT325
No Media Selected MX962
Mercury Silver MY75H
McAfee Security Center, 30 Day N533M
Resource DVD N8J3W
125V Power Cord R609C
320 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM) R91CC
Integrated 2.0 Mega Pixel Web Camera RCY60
8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability RJ6G7
Microsoft Works 9.0 T013C
Software T22TT
Shipping Material T317N
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium VR08H
Label W3HMK
Software W871N
Roxio Software CD WDF4C
Image Restore Software XM544
Dell Support Center 64 Bit 2.0 Y720M
STUDIO 15 (1558) : 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, Mail-In Service after Remote Diagnosis, 24x7 Phone Support (Included in Price) Qty 1
Unit Price $0.00
TOTAL: $458.15
Total Price
Sub-total $458.15
Shipping & Handling1 --
Tax --
Total Price2 --

 

[boomhower]

Wow the 1558's have gotten cheap. That's actually what I have and I paid, well, considerably more. Looks like a winner if they have anything decent left when I get home tonight.

 

[Gillbot]

The outlet has LOADS of laptops, and their inventory changes often so keep checking back.

 

[boomhower]

I ordered the Dell. Got it for $540 with tax. It's got a lighted keyboard and it's pink so she's thrilled. If she has the same luck with her's that I've had with mine it won't give her any trouble and will be a solid machine. She be to her Thursday, pretty damn good deal.

 

[fire400]

business laptop off craiglist.

sturdy build, cheap solution, and fast.

will she know the difference between refurb or new?

 

[boomhower]

I told her it was a refurb. I don't think she really got it. As long as it works she's happy.