questions → best basic laptop between $300-$400?

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Best basic laptop between $300-$400?

My sister just recently lost her job from a larger staffing agency(how ironic) and she decided to take the month off before searching for a new job. Since she primarily used her computer at work she needs a laptop at home now. Shes got a Sprint air card she can use for internet but needs a basic laptop between the $300-$400 range. She basically wants to go on the internet, do the office applications, etc - she doesn't need a heavy hardware packed laptop for gaming or anything. Suggestions? Thanks All!

by matthalbig
asked 4 months ago

9 Answers answer

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My vote for best laptop, including services, would go to Dell. They may not always have a laptop for under $400, but you may be able to get one for around that during one of their bigger sales. Their customer support is hard to beat.

mlutz3
4 months ago

vote-for4vote-against

[url=http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_operating_system_mrr_0?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A541966%2Cn%3A565108%2Cp_6%3AATVPDKIKX0DER%2Cp_76%3A1249137011%2Cp_36%3A2421886011%2Cp_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A2287320011&bbn=565108&ie=UTF8&qid=1328540726/]Amazon[/url]

While Dell does have good customer service, Asus does as well. Any laptop on this page will work. If you want something upgradable, spend a little more for an Intel I series processor. She can use Open Office for free (compatible with MS Office). I would suggest at least 250 gb storage and 2 gb ram. Both are easily and cheaply upgradable no matter the processor and brand of laptop. (Note: external storage is relatively inexpensive and just plug and play.) If you want to listen to music and watch movies (stream) look for an entertainment laptop. You can find them at the link above and [url=http://www.Newegg.com/]Newegg[/url]. Shop for the best price wherever you want.

pyxientx
4 months ago

vote-for2vote-against

@pyxientx: thanks for the link!

matthalbig
4 months ago

vote-for2vote-against

@mlutz3: thank you!

matthalbig
4 months ago

vote-for4vote-against

At the upper end of your limit, this Samsung at $400 I posted last week is still active:
http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/dc090e9f-228b-4f8f-a80b-e089ecbc1989/samsung-laptop-computer-np305e5a-a03us-15-6

narfcake
4 months ago

vote-for4vote-against

@mlutz3: Most of my computers here are Dells, and I can say that their customer service is definitely NOT their strong point. Though I haven't had any issues dealing with their business division, home can be quite the excruciating headache.

narfcake
4 months ago

vote-for0vote-against

nice little lappy by dell at daily steals for $275
http://lastcall.dailysteals.com/
Dell Latitude E4300 13.3 LED Laptop with Intel Core2Duo Processor, 4GB RAM, 160GB HD and DVD?RW

kamikazeken
4 months ago

vote-for2vote-against

@kamikazeken: Windows Vista?! Ugh.

Windows 7 has been out for 2-1/2 years now ... there isn't a good reason to spend that much on a 3+ year old laptop.

narfcake
4 months ago

vote-for1vote-against

Monday, I bought my mother an Asus from MicroCenter for 279.99 after instant rebate. It only had 2GB/320 but it is expandable to 8GB and since she also has a desktop and really only uses her computers for email/browsing, maintaining her website, and writing articles, I think the specs are okay. She seemed pretty pleased with it, anyway.

cf
4 months ago

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