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I would say if you go into 400-600 range you can get something that will plenty for you for two to three years.
if you are an average user do not buy laptops over the internet blindly.
go to bestbuy or an electronic store like Frys.
see if you like the keyboard. see if the weight of the laptop is something you can live with.
see if it has DVD drive or blue ray (if that is something that you use often)
but most importantly for the love of god if you are not a gamer do not buy a laptop with the best GPU.
I can tell you that gaming on a laptop is not the best idea any way.
do not focus too much on CPUs. Why? because and i-3 or i-5 that has QuadCores is plenty for an average user.
Most laptops have plenty of diskspace (they have at least 500 Gig)
What you need to focus is your RAM. In today's world I would go for atleast 6 Gigabyte of Ram.
but if you can get the 8 GIGAByte option.
Also if you desire more memory go to Task Manager (right click on windows TaskBar) and click on Performance Tab. Then click on Memory Pane and see how many Slots are in use.
because if there are not too many slots in use you can easily buy RAM ofr 50-100 online and upgrade your laptop.
as far pricing goes. if at all possible wait and go shopping after christmass is over you can get really good deals.
once you know 2 or three laptops that you like go on amazon, HP, ACER or bestbuy online to see if there is a better deal available.