I am trying to help my brother out, he needs a new laptop. Not looking to spend alot of money, just needs it for internet,Facebook, and to pay his bills online. What are some decent ones out there? I am going to say $500 tops to spend. Does not have to be one of the newest models out there either. Are there ones to stay away from? Thanks for the help. John

 

If you are limited to that range, why not just get a tablet?

 

He uses a tablet for work and he hates it, would rather have a laptop. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

Chromebook?

I'm not up on the PC market but check out this link. I know it is from March but should give you an idea and read the 'Technology' forum on here for some reviews.

 

Well forget Apple if in the budget market, but perhaps you MAY get a MacPro refrub. in that range. I'd also go to the local Best Buy and see if they could deal with a display model off the floor. If you want brand new, then start with a Dell or Leveno no features models.

What does he hate about a tablet? The virtual keyboard? If it's something like that then there are many work arounds. If it is CPU usage (like MS Office or Photoshop) or the screen size, then a laptop would be the way to go. I am not an Apple freak or fan nor a Dell, but given how soon computers become obsolete, I think you'll get the most bang for a buck from a Dell 15in. screen with a i5 chip.

 

If that's all he wants it for, just go to a local store and buy one of the cheapest found. Or go to HP or Dell.com and do the same. Get one with an i3 chip, and call it a day. I've had one from HP for three years now for a work laptop. E-mail, MS Office and works great.

 

^ good points. We all know we are not in the designer boutique driving Acuras. lol

 

Best deal at the moment, IMO.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary...&Code=59352749

Lenovo G580 for $415.44

• Intel® Core™ i5-3210M Processor (2.50GHz, up to 3.10GHz with Turbo Boost, 3MB Cache, 1333MHz)
• Windows 8 Standard 64
• Intel® HD Graphics 4000
• 6GB (2GB & 4GB) PC3-12800 DDR3 1600MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
• 15.6" HD WXGA (1366x768) TFT color, VibrantView, LED Backlight w/720p HD Camera
• 500GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive

But if it's just for "internet,Facebook, and to pay his bills online," it's probably more than he'll need. Something basic like this ( https://deals.bestbuy.com//computers...0gb+hard+drive ) will even do.

Lenovo - IdeaPad for $299.99

• Intel® Pentium® dual-core processor B960
• Windows 8 Standard 64
• Intel® HD integrated graphics
• 4GB DDR3 memory
• 15.6" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
• 500GB hard drive

Another option are what Lenovo call their scratch & dent stock. They might be classified as that, but the one's I've seen look practically brand new...not a scratch or dent on them.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary...60496-59RF0010

Lenovo G580 for $349.70

• Intel® Core™ i3-3110M Processor (3M Cache, 2.40 GHz)
• Windows 8 Standard 64
• Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator HD
• 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600MHz SODIMM Memory
• 15.6" HD WXGA (1366x768) TFT color, VibrantView, LED Backlight w/720p HD Camera
• 500GB, 5400RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive

 

Whatever is on sale at Best Buy.

 

They're all shit...

 

Love my Chromebook.
I saw a slickdeal that Amazon was selling "like new" ones for $180.