Best laptop for $500?

[overst33r]

I've been out of the loop since I got my laptop 3 years ago. My sister is looking for a laptop for school and her budget is $500.

If possible, a warranty is definitely a plus. I got my dell through EPP with a 3 year warranty for basically what they sell for without the warranty so I'm thinking something like that should be possible again... not sure though.

Anyway, what's the best laptop for $500 that doesn't need to run games?

 

[xSauronx]

check the dell outlet or the hot deals forums. you can snag something thats plenty capable for basic use for 500 or less. for the most part all the specs will be comparable.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

When you say warranty, are you meaning just a new machine or do you want an extended warranty?

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski
When you say warranty, are you meaning just a new machine or do you want an extended warranty?

Extended. Like >1 year.

 

[Unheard]

I got my acer which is similar to what you are wanting for $349, + a $20 upgrade (ebay find) to 2gb of ram. I think this is the regular price. Found mine @ staples.

 

[Rottie]

Walmart usually sell less than 600 buck laptop but those laptops are more basic nothing fancy that you can play hardcore games or being a power user.
Pay to visit Notebook Reviews they will tell you where to find cheap coupon for any laptop yyou choose.
Good luck

 

[overst33r]

How's this refurb look? I convinced her to sacrifice the warranty at this price range.

http://stores.channeladvisor.c...k)%20with%20Free%20Bag

Intel® Core? 2 Duo T5800 (2.00GHz, 2 MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
15.4" WXGA (1280 X 800) TFT, W/ Camera
3GB (2GB & 1GB) PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory
250GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Drive
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer
Intel® WiFi Link 5100 (1x2 AGN)
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (Up to 3 Hours Run Time)
Carrying Case
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD

$433

I'm not a big fan of the low res screen or the crappy battery life, but it will end up plugged in most of the time anyway...

 

[IlllI]

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1336785

 

[fffblackmage]

Originally posted by: mariok2006
How's this refurb look? I convinced her to sacrifice the warranty at this price range.

http://stores.channeladvisor.c...k)%20with%20Free%20Bag

Intel® Core? 2 Duo T5800 (2.00GHz, 2 MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
15.4" WXGA (1280 X 800) TFT, W/ Camera
3GB (2GB & 1GB) PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory
250GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Drive
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer
Intel® WiFi Link 5100 (1x2 AGN)
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (Up to 3 Hours Run Time)
Carrying Case
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD

$433

I'm not a big fan of the low res screen or the crappy battery life, but it will end up plugged in most of the time anyway...

Looks pretty good for the price.

If I was buying one for myself, I would wish it had a higher resolution screen though (even if that means it was $100 more).

 

[Jtardiou]

Ya definitely check out the Thinkpad LS500 on slickdeals.net