My poor old laptop is on its last leg. Problem is I am on a tight budget, but I can swing about $500 for a new one. Does anyone have suggestions about the best laptops for that price range?
I use my current laptop mainly for surfing the net, emailing, homework, storing my music files, and watching movies and tv on the internet.
Any help would be great 
I’m guessing you’re on a PC. Comfortable with Linux? Or a Mac?
Netbook may work if that’s all you’re using it for.
Not watching movies, possibly.
Yeah, I’m on a PC and that is what I am most comfortable with, but I am open to Mac’s. I have no experience with Linux but I have heard that it’s more user friendly than it used to be. So basically, I’m open to anything.
Check out Netbooks. The small screen might seem like a turn-off, but the MASSIVE portability improvement might make up for that.
Do netbooks have graphics cards in them that will allow him to watch movies and videos?
Frak yes, all the ones I saw have hardware acceleration for that, in fact, and most of the ones released in the last half year can even do HD.
Netbooks might well be what you’re looking for. The Linux ones use a version of Ubuntu, which is very Win-user friendly. I’m tempted to try them out myself.
If you’re willing to upscale for a bit more, I recommend keeping an eye on Apple’s refurb page. It’s my preferred means of shopping.
Him? 
ETA: I will be checking out the netbooks this weekend if I can get time. I’m going to look at the apple refurb site too, if I can find one of those in my price range I am jumping on it. Thank you!
Forgive me, I was under the impression you were a male…
By the way, when are you going to post again in the RPG? We miss you…
If you are comfortable with small screens netbooks are good, but you will probably need an external DVD drive to play movies. There are some good $400-$500 machines out there that will more than fit your bill, Toshiba and HP are the best for this price range.
Would something like this work?
http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/HP-Pavilion-DM3-1044nr/product/C026CBA0
HP Pavilion DM3-1044nr Entertainment Notebook
$524.30 ($449 with free shipping after applying coupon code MSStore-PC-40%.)
* Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3 GHz (2 MB/800 MHz) * 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz Memory * 320 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive * 13.3" HD WS Display (1366 x 768) w/ Webcam * Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD o HDMI * WiFi N * 6-Cell Battery * Windows 7 Home Premium * Weight 3.33lbs
You find anything yet?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220693&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL012610&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL012610--Notebooks--L0B-_-34220693
“ASUS P50IJ-X2 NoteBook Intel Pentium T4400(2.20GHz) 15.6” 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA 4500M - Retail
Installed with Windows 7 +Free 1 year Accidental Warranty"
Unfortunately not yet. I’ve had to pay for 4 new tires on my car and it screwed my budget.
So, do you still want us to post suggestions/recommendations/links or want us to wait until you tell us you’re looking again?
Tomorrow’s Apple announcement may provide new options.
Yes please, keep them coming. I am still planning on getting a new laptop soon, I just may have to wait until my tax money comes in.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115674
Acer Aspire AS5517-5671 NoteBook AMD Athlon 64 TF-20(1.60GHz) 15.6" 3GB Memory DDR2 667 160GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Radeon HD 3200 - Retail
Comes with Windows 7 Premium
$399.99
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