Entry Level Laptop <$500

RangaWal on 16/10/2018 - 21:12

A friend is looking for a cheap laptop for his daughter starting high school next year. Money is tight, so $500 would be the absolute maximum (preferably less). I could point him at some used options, but before I do, I'd like suggestions for new. Any recommendations?

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • niknah on 16/10/2018 - 22:47

    There're some reviews of good spec ones here, but you can forget about any warranty service…
    https://techtablets.com/

  • [Deactivated] on 16/10/2018 - 23:41
    +1

    Definitely look into a refurbished one, if you get one with EMC memory it'll struggle within a year or two with newer programs and websites autoplaying vids and stuff
    or maybe a chromebook
    graysonline and renewd, gumtree, ebay, etc.
    look up warranty or the model number of the netbook to see how easy it is to take apart and order parts for just incase the fans dies or the screen gets a dead pixel or battery replacement or whatever

  • ImpedeSquare on 16/10/2018 - 23:57

    Get a used/refurbished Lenovo Thinkpad if you want value for money. Be aware, most of them are heavy at around 2kg. Thinkpads are typically business machines so they have pretty good specs and are affordable if buying pre-owned. I'd recommend getting a T440 where eBay has a refurbished model for under $350, with 8GB of ram.

    Check this guide out for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/wiki/intro

  • RRtm on 17/10/2018 - 00:19

    Lenovo X220 i5 or i7 2nd gen $200
    Up the ram to 8gb $30 (ensure you buying a unit with 1x 4gb ram stick to add another)
    SSD 250/500gb under $100
    Win10 (most likely free due to Win7)
    Office2016 (not 365) -ebay $15-20

    https://www.manlylaptops.com.au/X220-250-04-B

    Can be under $350 pretty easily

    Optional extra Docking station for home desk use
    2 old monitors and mouse (increase productivity)

    Check YouTube

    I still use this machine and will continue to use it. Can't fault it.

    • donnot on 17/10/2018 - 01:06

      Over 7 years old… Would be much better off getting something like a Latitude E7440 which you can find with a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM for around $300-$350. Newer (4th-gen i5), has HDMI, USB 3, mini-DP and is much nicer looking. Both options would likely need a new battery, especially for school use.

      • RRtm on 17/10/2018 - 07:13

        I agree.
        A bit of work with my config.
        I recently put an x220 together for under $100.

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