What is a good laptop for under $500?

[kc7jty]

I don't know shih about computers but need to get me a laptop. 12" screen max would be nice for travel but can't be too fussy.

[kf0rt]

What will you be using it for?

If it's just Internet and "light" computing, there are a few netbooks in the $300 range that aren't too bad. Small, very portable. But not the best if you're doing serious work.

[kc7jty]

What will you be using it for?

If it's just Internet and "light" computing, there are a few netbooks in the $300 range that aren't too bad. Small, very portable. But not the best if you're doing serious work.

are you kidding??...Never anything serious going on here.

maybe 12" min 15" max would be OK. Gonna have to be able to play poker on it though.

[KG4CGC]

You do light photo editing?
Most portable computers are OK with that. If you need to get into heavier editing programs then of course, go as full goose bozo as you can afford.

[kc7jty]

No editing.
Wally's has a Toshiba (A205-S7456) with a core 2 duo which was supposedly $900 marked down to $400. Maybe it's a lemon model?
http://reviews.walmart.com/1336/7757625/reviews.htm

[ad4mg]

Here's a nice Acer w/Vista Home Premium + the upgrade coupon for Windows 7, 3GB RAM, 15.6" wide screen TFT display, 160 GB SATA HD, loaded for $409.99:



http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...137&CatId=1900

The wife and I each have Acer 5000's with this same display, both are almost 5 years old, both are still in excellent shape.

Acers are good laptops (their PC's suck), but they aren't the ones you can drop on a concrete floor.

Any laptop ... be careful and aware of the display hinges, the connector where the charger connects, and the power button, all weak points!

I've also had excellent results with TigerDirect.

[W4GPL]

Might want to look at an Eee.. I've heard pretty damn good things about them.

[kc7jty]

Thanks Luke.
Is that Acer the left handed model? The pad is left of center.

[ad4mg]

Thanks Luke.
Is that Acer the left handed model? The pad is left of center.

That is curious ... the 5000 has the pad dead in the center. Here's a picture of mine, taken about a year ago:

[attachment=0:cou1irhx]acer5000.jpg[/attachment:cou1irhx]

I have no idea what's up with the mouse pad being offset from center. TigerDirect had quite a few Acers with 11.6" displays for even less, but I think the wide screen is a big plus!

The TFT display, even after almost 5 years, is still bright and crisp.

My 5000's have the AMD processors, a first for me. After I stuffed them with 2 GB of RAM, these machines are quite fast.

They also listed quite a few that still offer Windows XP, but if I were buying a new machine. I'd suffer Vista as long as I had the upgrade coupon!

[kc7jty]

I'd suffer Vista as long as I had the upgrade coupon!

You're assuming 7 will be better than XP.....