I need ideas for the cheapest laptop out there!

[random3434]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

 

[KittenKoder]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

400 ... ouch, that's not much, look into the used computer stores or a netbook. Laptops tend to be much more than desktops because they are smaller, they also cost a fortune when they break unless you can fix it yourself.

 

[CrimsonWhite]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Lots of stuff on Tigerdirect that cheap. Like this one-

HP 550 Notebook PC KS158UT - Intel Celeron 550 2.0GHz, 1GB DDR2 + 1GB, 160GB HDD, DL DVDRW, 15.4" WXGA, Vista Home Basic - Bundle HP 550 Notebook PC KS158UT 2GB Bundle at TigerDirect.com

Check out New egg as well.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

 

[alan1]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Steal one from somebody at the airport.

 

[KittenKoder]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Steal one from somebody at the airport.

Bad boy ...

 

[Dis]

Try Walmart.. I've seen some as cheap as $400.. Just keep in mind when it comes to stuff like that, you get exactly what you pay for...

 

[Mad Scientist]

I picked up a refurbished (looks new to me) Acer 5515 Laptop with a 17" display and 3 gigs of memory for about 350 bucks at Tiger Direct through techbargains.com.
Check these out:
Acer Laptops & Notebooks at TigerDirect.com

Or go to:
www.techbargains.com

Click the "Cheap Laptops" link. Good luck!

 

[random3434]

Thanks for the ideas. The almost 14 year old (this Sunday! ) wants to use all her birthday money to buy one. (I figure she'll get about $400 from all the grandparents plus what I give her)

She wants a Dell Laptop, she saw one advertised for $499-but I know that they all have hidden costs after that, right?

 

[KittenKoder]

Thanks for the ideas. The almost 14 year old (this Sunday! ) wants to use all her birthday money to buy one. (I figure she'll get about $400 from all the grandparents plus what I give her)

She wants a Dell Laptop, she saw one advertised for $499-but I know that they all have hidden costs after that, right?

Usually they do, and they don't tell you until after you buy it ...

That's why I say go to a used computer store, they are usually more up front about all their costs and prices (refurbished is used BTW). Just shop around and be sure you get what you pay for.

 

[Midnight Marauder]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Lots of stuff on Tigerdirect that cheap.

I picked up TWO refurbished Systemax laptops from TigerDirect, for $850. Both have been totally trouble-free, solid performers. They are widescreens as well, great little devices that came with WinXP Home pre-installed.

 

[Midnight Marauder]

Thanks for the ideas. The almost 14 year old (this Sunday! ) wants to use all her birthday money to buy one. (I figure she'll get about $400 from all the grandparents plus what I give her)

She wants a Dell Laptop, she saw one advertised for $499-but I know that they all have hidden costs after that, right?

I don't recommend the extra $ for the extended warranty and service stuff. It's just not worth it unless something really catastrophic happens, and usually the mfg will repair or replace anyway in almost any circumstance.

These "extended" plans can add $200 or more to the price tag. Not a good investment IMO.

 

[JBeukema]

A cheap computer that fits in your lap?

\

 

[Said1]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Dell is selling minis for $200.

 

[alan1]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Just remember, the cheaper you go, the sooner it will become obsolete.
Of course, part of that depends upon what the intended usage will be. If it's just for surfing the internet and doing some word processing you can be fine for $400.
If you want to use Adobe Photoshop or play graphic intensive games you better spend a bit more. KK may beg to differ with me, but she also knows how to use something other than Windows to control a computer.

 

[random3434]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Just remember, the cheaper you go, the sooner it will become obsolete.
Of course, part of that depends upon what the intended usage will be. If it's just for surfing the internet and doing some word processing you can be fine for $400.
If you want to use Adobe Photoshop or play graphic intensive games you better spend a bit more. KK may beg to differ with me, but she also knows how to use something other than Windows to control a computer.

Remember, it's for a 14 year old girl. For the other stuff, she can do it on this computer.

 

[alan1]

But one that works ok.

Will I be able to find one for around 400 bucks?

Just remember, the cheaper you go, the sooner it will become obsolete.
Of course, part of that depends upon what the intended usage will be. If it's just for surfing the internet and doing some word processing you can be fine for $400.
If you want to use Adobe Photoshop or play graphic intensive games you better spend a bit more. KK may beg to differ with me, but she also knows how to use something other than Windows to control a computer.

Remember, it's for a 14 year old girl. For the other stuff, she can do it on this computer.

She isn't going to be 14 forever.

 

[KittenKoder]

Just remember, the cheaper you go, the sooner it will become obsolete.
Of course, part of that depends upon what the intended usage will be. If it's just for surfing the internet and doing some word processing you can be fine for $400.
If you want to use Adobe Photoshop or play graphic intensive games you better spend a bit more. KK may beg to differ with me, but she also knows how to use something other than Windows to control a computer.

Remember, it's for a 14 year old girl. For the other stuff, she can do it on this computer.

She isn't going to be 14 forever.

Aaah ... but by the time she needs more she could probably buy one herself ... I would think anyway.

 

[random3434]

Just remember, the cheaper you go, the sooner it will become obsolete.
Of course, part of that depends upon what the intended usage will be. If it's just for surfing the internet and doing some word processing you can be fine for $400.
If you want to use Adobe Photoshop or play graphic intensive games you better spend a bit more. KK may beg to differ with me, but she also knows how to use something other than Windows to control a computer.

Remember, it's for a 14 year old girl. For the other stuff, she can do it on this computer.

She isn't going to be 14 forever.

Yes, but we are not rich either. If she wants a laptop, she will use her birthday money to buy it. How much $$ she ends up with will be equal to the quality of laptop she can buy.

That's just how I roll.

 

[xotoxi]

Here's one for $54.99.

Amazon.com: Fisher-Price® Fun 2 Learn™ Laughtop™: Toys & Games

 

[alan1]

Remember, it's for a 14 year old girl. For the other stuff, she can do it on this computer.

She isn't going to be 14 forever.

Aaah ... but by the time she needs more she could probably buy one herself ... I would think anyway.

Isn't she sort of buying this one by herself?