Average laptop for around $200-360?

Oct 15, 2013
3
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10,510
All right, guys. When I say "average" I mean a low-end computer for the average user, not an average gaming PC with like an FX-4300/GTX560.

It's a birthday gift for an older person, so the screen should be fairly big. Also, it has to have Windows 7, because I only know that, XP, and 8 and I will probably end up solving a lot of problems. And since XP's support got cut off last year, and even fairly advanced tech people seem to think 8 is either too complicated or just plain hate it, that leaves 7.

Also, the optical drive must be able to play DVDs.

Thanks.

And I really don't think this matters, but my mother is actually buying it for them, and she says feminine colors are an extra, but not required.


Also, don't be afraid to put out some AMD computers, too.
 
Solution
For that price range you will have to buy used, there is no new laptops in that range, espcially not with windows 7.

You wil be better off buying 2-3 year old laptop with a Core i3 or i5 then a newer one with an AMD A4/a6/a8 cpu.

EDITED: If the laptop came with Windows 7 (there would be a windows 7 sticker on the bottom and no other OS stickers), then if it has anoptical drive it will play dvds, this was a standard by 2007/2008.
For that price range you will have to buy used, there is no new laptops in that range, espcially not with windows 7.

You wil be better off buying 2-3 year old laptop with a Core i3 or i5 then a newer one with an AMD A4/a6/a8 cpu.

EDITED: If the laptop came with Windows 7 (there would be a windows 7 sticker on the bottom and no other OS stickers), then if it has anoptical drive it will play dvds, this was a standard by 2007/2008.
 
Solution

Bolin

Estimable
Sep 8, 2014
312
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5,010
What kills your budget is the need for windows 7.
Although I agree 200$ to 360$ will buy you a chromebook, a Celeron CPU notebook or an used laptop. I'd say that a celeron CPU is okay for a person like OP describes and chromebooks don't usually come with an optical drive or a big screen.
Also, does he/she want a touchscreen? do you think you can stretch 40 dollars more and make it 400$? Do you have any brands in mind?
 
Oct 15, 2013
3
0
10,510


I've never been in the average market, so I have no bias on brands. Touchscreen, no, that would frustrate them to no end. And when I asked her how much I think $360 was a ballpark figure. so $400 would probably work
 

Bolin

Estimable
Sep 8, 2014
312
0
5,010


Do you know officedepot? I am not from the USA, so I wouldn't know if they are reliable or anything. This would probably your best bet if it hadn't windows 8.1 and a 15,3'' screen (although windows can be fixed by installing classicshell) http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/473950/Toshiba-Satellite-L55-Laptop-Computer-With/

Have a look at:

These are 17.3'', remember anything new will have iOS 8.1.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834300669
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834259566
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/model/NX.MNDAA.008