$400ish Windows Laptops

[Aereldor]

I'm helping a couple of friends in the US get laptops for school/college. They're on a pretty tight budget, and I'm looking for recommendations for $400ish laptops that have all of the following. 2-in-1s are okay.

• Runs Windows
• Good Build Quality
• Decent battery life
• An IPS screen
• An SSD- 128GB or greater
• A decent keyboard and trackpad

Processing power is not an issue, as they will only be used for word processing, web browsing, and other lightweight everyday tasks.

 

New and Manufacturer Refurbished recommendations only! No used stuff, no eBay links, no 'you can find it on Craigslist $___'.

 

The closest I've found is a manufacturer refurbished Dell XPS 13 9360 for $609 plus tax. I know the Asus ZenBook UX330 is just $700 brand new. Do they sell them refurbished?
 

I look forward to reading your recommendations.

 

Regards,

Aereldor.

[ComputerFrenzy]

Man I would just go with a chromebook, I picked up mine for $200 aus ($150 usd) and it is my university work horse. Battery last 8+ hours, it's taken in and out of my bag all day, survived US customs which I dont know how cause my $1500+ dell XPS my work gave me didn't a year earlier. Anyway chromebooks they're good. 

[Aereldor]

3 minutes ago, ComputerFrenzy said:

Man I would just go with a chromebook, I picked up mine for $200 aus ($150 usd) and it is my university work horse. Battery last 8+ hours, it's taken in and out of my bag all day, survived US customs which I dont know how cause my $1500+ dell XPS my work gave me didn't a year earlier. Anyway chromebooks they're good. 

Windows Laptops is in the title.

Runs Windows is the very first listed requirement.

 

Recommending a Chromebook is completely inappropriate. It needs to run Windows. I know they can be good, but they don't apply to this thread.

[ComputerFrenzy]

Just now, Aereldor said:

Windows Laptops is in the title.

Runs Windows is the very first listed requirement.

 

Recommending a Chromebook is completely inappropriate. It needs to run Windows. I know they can be good, but they don't apply to this thread.

I know, but if you're just doing word processing and web browsing why would you need windows? It isn't as optimized for low end hardware.

[Aereldor]

2 minutes ago, ComputerFrenzy said:

I know, but if you're just doing word processing and web browsing why would you need windows? It isn't as optimized for low end hardware.

They're required for school college programs, which will almost certainly require the installation and use of specific programs that simply don't exist on ChromeOS or Android (for when ChromeOS can use Android Apps). Things that come to mind immediately are Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, and there are probably others. 

[ComputerFrenzy]

True stand corrected. Any cheap Asus or a hp will be sufficient. Why not eBay? Purchase threw PayPal and you get a warranty?

[Aereldor]

2 minutes ago, ComputerFrenzy said:

True stand corrected. Any cheap Asus or a hp will be sufficient. Why not eBay? Purchase threw PayPal and you get a warranty?

Don't want to make people deal with the increased risk of failure.

 

Look, are you trying to recommend the very opposite of what I asked for? Chromebooks, used purchases on eBay...

[ComputerFrenzy]

No, was just wondering cause I bought a computer of ebay. 

[kb5zue]

You really DON"T want a chromebook.  Without internet access, they are nothing more than an expensive paperweight.

Won't run MSWord, or Excel, or any other windows based software.  Like I said, without internet access, they are worthless.  Just my personal experience, sorry if I offend anyone but it's the truth.

[Droidbot]

this is the perfect budget for an x230 or 2570p with an SSD - they're often under $200 with an i5 and an SSD, and you can look for warranty. Anyhow, 

1 minute ago, kb5zue said:

You really DON"T want a chromebook.  Without internet access, they are nothing more than an expensive paperweight.

Won't run MSWord, or Excel, or any other windows based software.  Like I said, without internet access, they are worthless.  Just my personal experience, sorry if I offend anyone but it's the truth.

They run MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, as they have android app support now.. They've changed from what they used to be. 

 

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ArbOnlineSales/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&brandid=2801&sign=PXhcOSHtr1T4IOw/PR7UdbP8H4wNTQ7v5k0MahTXC0Q%2bI8DIuKxJM6jjSTFh%2bC0Vv4y4AUGkyDIMxDrG65saWPtogm0KDsBcC8AVQ1DYJ7cY5Oq4snQr1zXW1nyq2Vz/GW1b6WUwdTb1juBebVsaF0UBReUoP0JWg1X1ddQk/D8yLqsPjViHvwu4g6cbEMxDj0dWHv2vgm26nT4ftRYeqT4Yt0/Jgn3omOC14uY2Zj080F7o0OvweA%3d%3d

 

use code b100Lati for $100 off prices

[Droidbot]

http://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/outletus/laptops/c/LAPTOPS?q=%3Aprice-asc%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A12.5"+FHD+(1920+x+1080)+Multitouch+IPS+display+w%2F720p+HD+Camera%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A12.0+in%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A12.5"+FHD+(1920+x+1080)+LED%2C+IPS+display+w%2F720p+HD+Camera%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A14+in&uq=&text=#

 

E460 w/ i3, 8g, 256gb and 6cell for 430

[Firestar9114]

your best bet is probably to scour newegg.com for something, but low end laptops suck right now from what I understand.  I found a refurbished one for about 450 usd that looked decent after hours of searching, but I'm sure it's been sold by now as that was almost 6 months ago when I last looked.  Still probably your best bet though, good luck man.  link: https://www.newegg.com/

[Aereldor]

35 minutes ago, Droidbot said:

this is the perfect budget for an x230 or 2570p with an SSD

Are those used recommendations? If so, ruling 'em out. Sorry, man-

1 hour ago, Aereldor said:

New and Manufacturer Refurbished recommendations only! No used stuff, no eBay links, no 'you can find it on Craigslist $___'.

 

37 minutes ago, Droidbot said:

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ArbOnlineSales/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&brandid=2801&sign=PXhcOSHtr1T4IOw/PR7UdbP8H4wNTQ7v5k0MahTXC0Q%2bI8DIuKxJM6jjSTFh%2bC0Vv4y4AUGkyDIMxDrG65saWPtogm0KDsBcC8AVQ1DYJ7cY5Oq4snQr1zXW1nyq2Vz/GW1b6WUwdTb1juBebVsaF0UBReUoP0JWg1X1ddQk/D8yLqsPjViHvwu4g6cbEMxDj0dWHv2vgm26nT4ftRYeqT4Yt0/Jgn3omOC14uY2Zj080F7o0OvweA%3d%3d

TN panels. Models with SSDs are $580, so almost $500 even after the offer code.

 

32 minutes ago, Droidbot said:

http://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/outletus/laptops/c/LAPTOPS?q=%3Aprice-asc%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A12.5"+FHD+(1920+x+1080)+Multitouch+IPS+display+w%2F720p+HD+Camera%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A12.0+in%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A12.5"+FHD+(1920+x+1080)+LED%2C+IPS+display+w%2F720p+HD+Camera%3AfacetSys-ScreenSize%3A14+in&uq=&text=#

 

E460 w/ i3, 8g, 256gb and 6cell for 430

Checks almost every box, but TN panel. Probably doesn't get bright enough either. I'll keep it in mind, though.

[Firestar9114]

this might be what you are looking for, not sure what screen or trackpad it has: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6AB3GB9027

[Aereldor]

9 minutes ago, Firestar9114 said:

this might be what you are looking for, not sure what screen or trackpad it has: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6AB3GB9027

That is one sketchy listing. I'm probably going to recommend a Thinkpad 11e (Windows/Skylake) because it's rugged as hell and checks all my boxes.

[Droidbot]

1 hour ago, Aereldor said:

Are those used recommendations? If so, ruling 'em out. Sorry, man-

 

TN panels. Models with SSDs are $580, so almost $500 even after the offer code.

 

Checks almost every box, but TN panel. Probably doesn't get bright enough either. I'll keep it in mind, though.

it's no IPS

but fuckin hell

this is a STEAL

 

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1TS-000E-04YR0R

 

[Aereldor]

4 minutes ago, Droidbot said:

it's no IPS

but fuckin hell

this is a STEAL

 

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1TS-000E-04YR0R

 

It's up against a refurb Thinkpad 11e for $400. That has a Core i3 6100u, 4GB RAM, a 1366*768 IPS panel, and it's supposed to be stupidly rugged. It's also $30 cheaper. What do you think?

Also, how does that compare with a Dell XPS 13 refurb? ($610)

[Droidbot]

9 minutes ago, Aereldor said:

It's up against a refurb Thinkpad 11e for $400. That has a Core i3 6100u, 4GB RAM, a 1366*768 IPS panel, and it's supposed to be stupidly rugged. It's also $30 cheaper. What do you think?

Also, how does that compare with a Dell XPS 13 refurb? ($610)

11e would have better battery life and be more rugged

 

the XPS 13 would have as good battery life and a better screen and design

 

the IdeaPad would have the best performance, a big SSD, and double the RAM

 

 

[DocSwag]

This came to mind, only comes with 64gb but you can add a microsd card.

 

http://www.anandtech.com/show/11161/the-chuwi-lapbook-141-review-redefining-affordable

[Aereldor]

12 minutes ago, Droidbot said:

11e would have better battery life and be more rugged

 

the XPS 13 would have as good battery life and a better screen and design

Is it worth the $400 extra for someone who won't spend more on style points? It also has a touchscreen.

 

12 minutes ago, Droidbot said:

the IdeaPad would have the best performance, a big SSD, and double the RAM

But the worst screen. I'll consider all of them.

There's also this. It's probably not as rugged as the 11e, but it's got a 1080p IPS panel and everything else is the same.

 

http://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/outletus/ultrabooks/TP-13-Windows/p/20GKX00300

[Guest]

I used to buy a Asus Transformer Book for my mother

It has a single full size USB port

A detachable keyboard and run Windows 10

Has like 32GB of emmc storage (which is sadly unexpandable, maybe there is a way but not something easy that I know)

I didn't really take a look at specific specs/model name since all she does is web browsing and facebook, maybe watching movie is the most demanding task so I reckon any of it would do

 

Fits your budget (it was somewhere in the range of 400-500CAD), but she complained how scrolling web page feels a bit stuttering and I can see it too. She is a long time iPad use (don't blame her) I wanted to get her a convertible since she has an external HDD that has all of her photos and videos taken but sadly you can't watch it on iPad (connect it) since Apple only at best allow a small USB stick to be connected since it's single lightning port doesn't provide enough power to deliver to an external HDD.

 

So we quickly returned it after only few hours of usage. I highly suggest check this product in store and see if that particular stuttering would affect too much. Though be aware.

I actually really love the concept of convertibles with detachable keyboard as you can transform it into a table OTG while still having a keyboard to type on without having to use the Windows on screen keyboard (by the way you can still use it). It also has a front facing camera for our model iirc.

 

The cons is small storage. Stuttering screen that can't be explained. I didn't really check for other cool stuff it has. Battery life seems decent, charges fast. It's more like a tablet than a laptop.

 

[Droidbot]

2 minutes ago, deXxterlab97 said:

-sniper no sniping- 

tb had atom z3xxx series iirc

really slow quads and with ASUS bloat it'd be worse

 

i3 is different - even core m3 is different - and m3 handles even 720p60 YouTube w/o dropping frames

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, Droidbot said:

tb had atom z3xxx series iirc

really slow quads and with ASUS bloat it'd be worse

 

i3 is different - even core m3 is different - and m3 handles even 720p60 YouTube w/o dropping frames

yeah that's youtube, but she was browsing a text site with some image on it and still notice some stuttering, that's gonna be bad.