Best laptop UNDER $300?

jjjay999

Honorable
Jan 23, 2014
8
0
10,510
Hi, I'm looking for the best possible laptop under $300. I don't really want HP, as I've had really bad experience with HP. Windows 7/8/8.1 (as long as I can upgrade to 10).
Screen size: 14"-16" Screen resolution: I don't care
Preferably an SSD of 128 GB or more or a SSHD hybrid. RAM 4 GB minimum. It will be used primarily for portable PC tasks, web surfing, email, watching movies, light gaming, older games/emulation and a Steam streaming PC. Preferably AT LEAST 2 USB ports, 3 is optimal. Also I need HDMI out. Optical drive isn't a must. Decent battery life (5 hours+) would be great as well. I don't need a backlit keyboard. I don't need a touchscreen. Thanks!
 

jjjay999

Honorable
Jan 23, 2014
8
0
10,510
That's near perfect Techy! My only gripe is it's a 500gb/5400 rpm hdd. How is windows startup on a "regular"/5400 rpm hdd? I've only ever used sshd's and SSD's with win 7/8/8.1. I'm just fearing something painfully slow, yet I don't know. Thanks!
 
You are not really going to get a laptop for less than $300 with a SSD. Your best option is probably to get the recommended laptop above and deal with the performance of a 5400RPM HDD until you can save up enough money to replace the HDD with a SSD.
 


It won't be painfully slow (especially if you have fast boot enabled on windows 8/10), but it will be 2x slower than a SSD. My advice would be to save up for a Samsung 120GB 850 EVO drive when you can afford it.

While boosted was a little harsh :p, he's got a point, $300 won't get you anything special.

BTW...Boosted, Ill defiantly look out for an Audi that's below $30,000. :D