Looking for a simple, dependable laptop for under $600

NaurielR

Estimable
Sep 11, 2014
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4,510
I need to replace my 6 year old laptop that is on her last legs.

I would use this laptop primarily for watching/streaming videos. I also would surf the internet, use social media sites, and occasionally use office programs such as Word and Adobe Photo Shop.

What is important to me in a laptop
-Dependable, both physically and internally. I want the longest life compared to price. I would like to keep my next laptop at least six years, but would consider a shorter lived laptop if it's life to price ratio is high (ie, a $300 dollar laptop that lasts 4 years is better than a $600 dollar laptop that lasts 6 years).
-The ability to play videos well. Good screen quality, with minimal buffering in streamed videos.
-$600 dollars or less. Cheaper is better, but only if I'm getting good quality for the amount I'm spending.

I would appreciate feedback on specific brands/models that you recommend, as well as the aspects of a laptop you think I should look for, such as the processor type or RAM.

Also, what is your opinion on refurbished models?

Thanks for taking the time to read this. :)
 
Solution
Most refurbished laptops will not be that good, as laptops are generally not designed to last.

However, there are exceptions. Probably one of the best is the IBM Thinkpad followon, ie.
the Lenovo T420 (it's the one I'm looking for at the moment to replace my aging and very
much long-lasted IBM Thinkpad T30). Find a T420 with a decent spec (max res option, ie.
1600x900 via NVIDIA NVS™ 4200M), replace any rust spinner HDD with an SSD (though some
may already come with an SSD), away you go. It'll run Win7, can have good RAM, etc. A decent
model you won't need to upgrade should be around $450+. Just don't get the type which
only has Intel HD gfx (lower res screen). My plan is to find one and replace the HDD with a
Samsung 840 Pro.

And the...

mapesdhs

Distinguished
Jan 22, 2007
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18,590
Most refurbished laptops will not be that good, as laptops are generally not designed to last.

However, there are exceptions. Probably one of the best is the IBM Thinkpad followon, ie.
the Lenovo T420 (it's the one I'm looking for at the moment to replace my aging and very
much long-lasted IBM Thinkpad T30). Find a T420 with a decent spec (max res option, ie.
1600x900 via NVIDIA NVS™ 4200M), replace any rust spinner HDD with an SSD (though some
may already come with an SSD), away you go. It'll run Win7, can have good RAM, etc. A decent
model you won't need to upgrade should be around $450+. Just don't get the type which
only has Intel HD gfx (lower res screen). My plan is to find one and replace the HDD with a
Samsung 840 Pro.

And the best thing, from the numerous posts I've read, users of them I've talked to, the
battery life is pretty darn good. Find one which has a 9-cell.

Naturally there are plenty of newer models of laptop these days, but I don't like the
wide aspect screens, and the Lenovo Thinkpads still have the durability for which IBM
became so famous.

With budget to spare, you could of course replace certain items to beef up the spec,
eg. swap out the DVDRW for a bluray rewriter, etc.

Here's the spec summary:

http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/pd015734

Ian.

 
Solution
I would say the lenovo yoga as is perfect for when you want to watch something and it is very reliable. My only concern is the screen size for when you are using photoshop but it does have a stylus pen which helps. I am not sure about the price, I think its in your price range.