Budget <$800 Laptop for Parents this Season

[aatroxed]

• Budget range: $500 - $800
• Purpose: for the older folks at home; simple web browsing, basic school/work functions like MS Office
• Screen size preference: 13-15"
• OS: Windows
• Gaming requirements: none
• Other performance requirements (video editing, CAD, etc.): none
• Brand preferences and reasons (already owned accessories, familiarity, business compatibility): nope

Hello, I'm the family "IT" tech guy and just need a new replacement laptop for the folks. Good build quality and keyboard is important, they are upgrading from those old but sturdy WinXP HP laptops - so "business" laptops are okay too.


However don't care about weight, portability, high resolution screen.
Are there any standouts that would fit that bill?


Some I've come across so far:
Thinkpad E550
HP Pavilion 15t
Dell Inspiron 15 5000


The Lenovo and HP are good on price, not sure which is better in quality. Welcome any thoughts. Thanks

 

[giantpandaman2]

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...ceSite_standard_buynow_null_USA_surfmark_null

The low ram sucks and you'll want to buy the type cover (make sure to get the SP4 version of the cover) but it's perfect for couch use and browsing. Chances are they'll never overload the ram requirements too.

 

[Brainonska511]

Since they don't care for weight or portability, does it have to be a laptop? A simple desktop (eg: Pentium Dual-Core and integrated graphics) could fit those tasks quite nicely.

 

[RossMAN]

If you or your folks are CostCo members here's a good deal that expires Thursday 12/24.

http://www.costco.com/.product.100240240.html

CostCo.com is out of stock but it's available at most local CostCo warehouses which close early.

Of course they'll get access to their concierge services and free 2 year warranty coverage.

 

[lakedude]

So you think the parents will be okay with W10?

Your budget is very generous considering the low spec machine you require.

I guess you want the extra money to go to build quality?

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'm pretty happy with my IdeaPad 100s, for the most part. That might be a bit too low on the totem pole for your parents. It's cheap enough, that they could each get one. Mine is the 11.6", but they make a 14" as well. (Although the 11.6" one has better reviews.)

 

[aatroxed]

So you think the parents will be okay with W10?

Your budget is very generous considering the low spec machine you require.

I guess you want the extra money to go to build quality?

Seems like you're right on that point. It's been so long since I've taken a look at prices and the power of current hardware. I used to eat up that stuff right up until I built my own desktop back on 04.

Anyway its got to be a laptop. Mom takes it to library sometimes. Wasn't sure how cheap I could go for a laptop and still have a good keyboard and decent build. Win 10 is fine - I can customize it enough so its not too jarring.

It's mostly for email and writing papers, Mom is back in school...Sounds like I could get what I need for less. Surfaces aren't ideal - a bit too high tech.

I'll check out the IdeaPad, bigger screen to help out with the eyes. I'm willing to cut corners on resolution - she doesn't need it and it helps with price.