Need a laptop with a passable display for $500-700

[flyingpants1]

I paid $599 a few years ago for a HP G50-219CA. It served me well. It's dead now:

2.16 GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Mobile Processor T3400
3GB RAM
250GB HDD
15.4" 1366x768 display
2-3 hours battery mostly on idle
6.37lbs

-The CPU was somewhere between a C2D and a Celeron. Sounds awful, but it was honestly not bad at the time. I thought it was a C2D for years. So I guess laptop CPU performance is not a huge priority for me.

-GPU is not important, so long as I can do 1080p full blu-rays without ever worrying about it.

-RAM needs to be upgradeable to 8GB.
-HDD needs to be upgradeable to SSD.
-Battery needs to be replaceable (they die very fast)
This basically rules out an ultrabook.

-Size and weight is not important. Ideally I'd like 14", but I'll take a 15" brick if I have to.

-The biggest priority is the display. I am looking to get something with good or passable display quality for around $600-700.

So to recap, basically I'm looking for a normal, cheapish 14-15 incher, non-ultrabook (upgradeable without voiding warranty) with an actually bearable 900p panel. Who's using the good panels nowadays?

 

[Throckmorton]

The only good screen I've seen on a cheap laptop was the P75 17.3" Toshiba that Best Buy sells. It's about $800. I don't know if it's IPS but the color is very saturated and nice, with good viewing angles. Can't comment on the color accuracy of course.

 

[RossMAN]

If you're OK with a Dell Outlet (refurbished) you can probably score an XPS 14 for around $600 after coupon.

Keep an eye on Slickdeals.net for threads like this which come around every 2-3 weeks.

 

[d3lt4]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834230671
This is a Zenbook with a really nice screen for $700
Doesn't really meet all of your criteria, but it has a really nice screen.

 

[holden j caufield]

I think the t420 1600x900 display is ok, other thinkpad users are quite picky and some don't like it.

 

[Bateluer]

-RAM needs to be upgradeable to 8GB.
-HDD needs to be upgradeable to SSD.
-Battery needs to be replaceable (they die very fast)
This basically rules out an ultrabook.

I've never had a laptop battery actually die on me. They should last years.

 

[sm625]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834126014

I would not recommend this notebook. I would wait for a sale. I just dont see one right now.

 

[GTRagnarok]

15.6 inch, 1080p IPS for $750:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+1...specifications