Topic: Good cheap laptop?

[Chuck]

The laptop my wife and I have been using died and I need a replacement.
We use it for e-mail, web surfing (wireless network) and minor office stuff. I'm happy to use Open Office for that stuff.
We'd like it to come in under $400.

Any advice on brands and models to look for or avoid would be appreciated. Also, any online or big box retail sales deals would be great if you know of any.

[mattmiller]

See if this link works for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006740%204019&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=RATING&PageSize=20

That should be all of Newegg's laptops between $300 and $400, sorted by best rating.  You're always gambling a little bit in this price range, but I would personally take my chances on the Asus A53 series for $359.99.

[chinariderstl]

Dell Latitude E6410 or E6420 (the newer model).  It's the model we use at work and they are rock solid!  Not only that, my sister has one (through school) and my buddy as well (through his company).  They are business line and top notch!

You should be able to get a new-in-box / slightly used one off Craigslist or a new / refurb from Dell Outlet for $400 or under.  Make sure to get one with 4GB RAM and an Intel Core i5 processor.  I can't speak highly enough about these laptops.  In fact, I am getting one for my Mom for xmas this year.

If my company didn't provide me with one, I would get one for myself.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

I got the cheapest Dell 14" (Core i3 w/4GB of RAM). I think I paid about $400 shipped. Works fine for me. I've had it about 2.5 years, no issues at all.

I run Windows 8 (going to revert back to 7 soon) and Ubuntu (which I use unless I need a Windows program). No issues there either.

I kept watching Slickdeals until they had a sale:

http://slickdeals.net/

I think some makers are starting to offer computers with Ubuntu which might save you a few bucks too. Personally I like Ubuntu much better. The only downside I've found is you can't watch Netflix.

For brands I like, Dell, Lenovo, and Asus the best.

Pretty much anything with a Core i3 and 4GB of RAM should be more than enough, and be a half decent quality. When they start to cut corners with AMD processors I think the build quality of the entire thing usually comes down with it.

[Chuck]

Thanks for the advice guys!

[deadheadcorey]

chuck check Craigslist. i got mine for 200 bucks! 

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Not sure if you're still looking. Nice deal on NewEgg today. Plenty of power for the average person:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?SID=9sm9IOsQEeGoq8621S3TyQ0_0_qDJ_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16834230401

[Chuck]

Sorry about not following up. I ended up getting a Gateway for $250 from Target. It's working great for us.