Can you buy a decent laptop for $250-$275????? (laptops, RAM, hard drive)

[Marv101]

I'm in the market for a new laptop for mundane things such as we surfing and watching TV shows, and was wondering if I should consider spending more than $275 for a new laptop?

Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

[Mr. Lee]

Staples.com runs deals all the time, as do other computer stores, right now they have a i3 on sale for $299.99, probably worth spending the extra $25 to get an i3

Toshiba C55-B5352, Intel Core i3, 6GB RAM, 750GB Hard drive, 15.6" TruBrite® TFT display, Laptop
$299.99 after easy rebate
$499.99 - $150 instant savings - $50 easy rebate = $299.99

[jaypee]

If that's all you're doing then you don't need to spend that much more. I'd look into buying refurbs for more value.

I'd buy this (only one left) for $200: http://shop.lenovo.com/outlet_us/ite...s/59422170/445

[Pruzhany]

Yes. Jump up to the $400-$500 (on sale from $700) level. The 2014 laptops took a big step backwards. Look for ones that are i5 or better, minimum 8GB RAM (many of them are now soldered in, so no upgradability) and a 1TB+ hard drive (many of them have no doors on the bottom, so not easily upgradable). Also be aware processor model numbers are very confusing now. So before buying a new laptop Google the processor and see if it's worth it (cores, speed,etc...).

[Bo]

Originally Posted by Marv101

I'm in the market for a new laptop for mundane things such as we surfing and watching TV shows, and was wondering if I should consider spending more than $275 for a new laptop?

Depending on where you want to watch TV, you probably don't need anything more than a Chromebook to do those things.

You can definitely get a Chromebook for less than $275.

Google Chromebook Comparison Chart

[jaypee]

If you don't mind the small-ish 13-in screen, this is a pretty good deal:

Dell refurbed laptop with i5 for $235 Refurbished: DELL Latitude E4310 [Microsoft Authorized Recertified] 13.3" Notebook with Intel Core i5-M520 2.40Ghz, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB HDD, DVDROM, eSATA, Windows 7 Home Premium 32 Bit - Newegg.com

[Marv101]

Thanks to all of you, but what's the difference between an i3 & an i5? I have no idea what those terms refer to.

[Mr_Geek]

What size screen do you want?

Definitely possible to get something decent for your price.

i5 is an upgraded processor to the i3.

[Mr. Lee]

Originally Posted by Marv101

Thanks to all of you, but what's the difference between an i3 & an i5? I have no idea what those terms refer to.

i5 is much faster, otherwise in order to stay in your price range an i3 should be fine for you.

[mensaguy]

I saw a TV ad yesterday saying they have brand new laptops (HP I think) at Office Max and Office Depot for as little as $249. One of those will do what you want a computer to do.