Laptops under $400

kucharczykt · August 23, 2021

I'm looking for a laptop in the sub 400USD range (preferably closer to 250USD). I am OK with used/ refurbished models, my only requirements is that it has an SSD and 6gb of ram or more. Something with a decent quality display would be nice (I care more about picture quality than resolution as long as it's at least 720p). But a bigger factor for me is not wanting chunky bezels or 10lb laptops, I am willing to buy a bulkier laptop but its specs would have to make up for the bulkiness.

Battery life is basically worthless to me, while I will be traveling alot with it whenever I use it I will have a power outlet to plug into.

I am ok with a Chromebook or other Linux based laptop. But I am against a MacOS laptop.

Thanks for any help, sorry if it's a bit of a long post.

lboolaka_33 · August 27, 2021

On 8/23/2021 at 1:10 PM, 8tg said:

Thinkpad X230

720p displays, 12.5” machine, replaceable battery, room for an msata (not m.2) ssd and a 2.5” ssd, 3rd gen ivy bridge mobile processors and up to 16gb of ddr3

a decently specced i5/8gb model should cost under 200$ in great shape

still plenty capable to browse the web, watch YouTube videos, play some light games like TF2, Minecraft, insurgency, without too many compromises

The X230 is pretty solid, but the display is really bad, even if it's above the OP's 720p requirement. It also doesn't provide much real-estate for multitasking. Instead I would recommend something like a T530 with the 1600*900 or 1080p display. I would also recommend a FHD Latitude E6540. I think it still has a TN panel, but as with the T530, it still has good viewing angles and looks pretty good. As for the rest of the laptop, it has a nice keyboard and solid construction. If you use the trackpoint, you may have an issue with the stupid button design, however. These Latitudes also had problems with the seal on the display bezel gradually peeling off, but a replacement bezel is only like $15 and it's an easy job to swap them out.