Recommendation for basic laptops <=$400

[LankyBastard]

My older parents are looking for a basic laptop to replace a very old desktop I built them over a decade ago, and they are quite tight on cash.  I doubt they could possibly afford anything above $400, so I'd like to keep it under that.  However, if there's something just slightly above that number that has a lot more bang for the buck, they might be willing to meet that number.

They only plan to use it for web browsing, zoom meetings, watching videos, and text editing.  As long as it's snappy enough, I think they would prioritize battery life over pure performance.  What recommendations do you have?

Thanks!

[PorkishPig]

26 minutes ago, LankyBastard said:

My older parents are looking for a basic laptop to replace a very old desktop I built them over a decade ago, and they are quite tight on cash.  I doubt they could possibly afford anything above $400, so I'd like to keep it under that.  However, if there's something just slightly above that number that has a lot more bang for the buck, they might be willing to meet that number.

They only plan to use it for web browsing, zoom meetings, watching videos, and text editing.  As long as it's snappy enough, I think they would prioritize battery life over pure performance.  What recommendations do you have?

Thanks!

I've found that the older Dell Latitude E-series laptops are a good value if they're willing to buy used. You can find an E7250 with an i7-5600U, 256GB SSD, 1080p display, and 8GB of memory for less than $300.

Edited April 26, 2020 by PorkishPig
Added model since link removed by Moderator

[nil]

7 minutes ago, PorkishPig said:

I've found that the older Dell Latitude E-series laptops are a good value if they're willing to buy used. You can find one with an i7-5600U, 256GB SSD, 1080p display, and 8GB of memory for less than $300.

 

<LINK REMOVED>

Definitely this,  I've been using one of them for about 3 years now,  and they are REALLY good laptops for the price!

 

[aisle9]

27 minutes ago, LankyBastard said:

My older parents are looking for a basic laptop to replace a very old desktop I built them over a decade ago, and they are quite tight on cash.  I doubt they could possibly afford anything above $400, so I'd like to keep it under that.  However, if there's something just slightly above that number that has a lot more bang for the buck, they might be willing to meet that number.

They only plan to use it for web browsing, zoom meetings, watching videos, and text editing.  As long as it's snappy enough, I think they would prioritize battery life over pure performance.  What recommendations do you have?

Thanks!

Used T450 or T450s. Both come in well below $400, but both have specs roughly on par with, if not better than, what you can expect in a $400 laptop these days (including a 1080p display if you shop around). If they want a bigger form factor, the T550 should be roughly the same price, maybe a little higher. Just make sure the ad says 1080p, because the stock 1366x768 panels on those are garbage.

 

The T460 and T460s would also work, but I think you're starting to creep up towards $400 with those. If they're looking to go brand new:

 

https://www.newegg.com/silver-hp-14/p/1TS-000D-084E3?Item=9SIAA0SAX33385&quicklink=true

 

At $400, there are very few circumstances in which I'd recommend buying a new laptop.

[TomvanWijnen]

I also recommend buying used, as there is often way more back to the buck to be found there.

[Hilltrot]

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=linus+tech+tips+walmart+laptop&docid=608005001837740862&mid=C54EE60F38C07FBE42B8C54EE60F38C07FBE42B8&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

 

Linus did a video on it.

[LankyBastard]

Thanks for the suggestions, I like the E-series, T450/T450S (with 1080p), but I think the dim display on the Motile would be a deal-breaker for them.

 

4 hours ago, TomvanWijnen said:

I also recommend buying used, as there is often way more back to the buck to be found there.

How about refurbished?  I wouldn't trust my parents to buy one used themselves and I am several states away from them.  There's plenty of sites that appear to focus on refurbished laptops with 1 year warranties, but are those worth staying away from, or are some of them ok?
 

[TomvanWijnen]

23 minutes ago, LankyBastard said:

How about refurbished?  I wouldn't trust my parents to buy one used themselves and I am several states away from them.  There's plenty of sites that appear to focus on refurbished laptops with 1 year warranties, but are those worth staying away from, or are some of them ok?

I can't speak from own experience, unfortunately. I would guess it to be okay, though. Just be careful to check if everything is in order.  Or, if you're somewhat crazy like me, buy a laptop yourself, and then ship it to them... do make sure you have REALLY good packaging, though.