Hello,
I am clueless on what laptop brand/memory is best for college. I am not a huge gamer so it would be used for Web surfing, research, notes, netflix, and power points. Also, the laptop MUST have an ethernet port and my budget is $300.
Thanks
For $300 you might want to get a refurbished (used) laptop instead of a new one. There are a few new ones for sale for less than $300 but the quality might be poor. For example, Dell is selling a 14" Inspiron 3000 series for $229. But it only has 2gb ram and a 32gb ssd. The 32gb ssd is very small and you will have to use the 100gb of online storage for most of your things. 2gb ram is small too. They have better versions with a 500gb hard drive and 4gb ram but those cost a little over $300.
A used laptop might be a year or two older but the specifications on a $300 used laptop are probably similar to a $300 new laptop, plus the used one might be built better. An “old” computer will still be able to do what you need, it just will be a little slower and not as nice.
Also see if you can get Microsoft Office free at your school or consider a free alternative (Microsoft Office starter, Free Office, Libre Office, Open Office) as Office Home and Student 2013 is $139.99 right now. I don’t know much about these programs.
Christ, man, why only $300 as a budget? I’m a full Pell Grant incoming freshman and I’m going to buy a $800-$1000 laptop.
Stugace, not everyone has a $1000 to spare.
The issue that you will have with a $300 laptop is also build quality. Cheaper laptops probably will not survive 4 years in a backpack.
I agree with aqsewfqq and would recommend buying a used machine. Most laptops will meet your needs. EBay is one source. Be aware that you might need a new battery if you buy a used machine.
My recommendations would be for a Lenovo Thinkpad T series laptop. In your price range you could afford a T410, T420 and maybe a T430 model. Since these are business class laptops and have high build quality, they are popular with schools and businesses. There are many other options/manufacturers but these are the ones I am familiar with. The laptops are relatively light and have decent performance for what you want. They should last until you can afford a new one.
In this price range for a used laptop, I would suggest:
Intel I5 processor (i3 will be cheaper, I7 more)
4 gig memory (upgrade to 8 if possible)
256G HD, SSD better but not likely in this price range.
800x1600 resolution for 14"
I got a T420 for about $270 a year ago. I got lucky, it looks brand new and had decent battery life left.
Once you find one you can afford, go online and read the reviews. Most reviews will discuss performance, build quality, battery life and screen quality.
Open box may be better than refurbished ones, mainly since they may have better warranties. But it’s six of one, half a dozen of the other at this price range.
I’d also back a used T-series from Lenovo. That, or an HP Stream, possibly.
Cheap laptops often have a lot of bloatware, which is something that you should definitely avoid. A used T-series would not, which is a big plus.