looking for $400-500 lightweight laptop

[bhome83]

hey guys, so im looking for a no frills laptop. My only request though is that it be nice and light. Is there anything out there for about $400 for that price? I'd prefer at least a 13" screen but those small 11" ones work too I suppose. I just want something that is nice, lightweight and portable. Will mainly be used for surfing the internet. Not a whole lot more. Thanks!

[Jeffbx]

For that price range, unless you're buying used the smallest you'll get is a 14.1" screen, which is still pretty portable (in which case you should look at the Vostro 1400, which starts at $450: http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/vostronb_1400?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&~tab=bundlestab )

Once you go smaller than 14.1, you step down to the 13.3" widescreen models, which I haven't seen (new) for less than about $750. You might find some older 12" models, but they'll be pretty slow. If you're up for used or refurbs, have a look for Latitude D410, D420 or D430s or Lenovo X40, X41, X60 or X61. All of those have 12" screens.

[ray]

Have you considered an eeePC?

[Airencracken]

Have you considered an eeePC?

I thought that too, but I think they want a larger screen.

[WazyWabbit]

try putting your price range to 700+ for a 13" screen laptop or smaller.


HP tablet is around 600, i think. it's 12" screen, perhaps?
Vaio SZ series are 13".. but it's like 1000 USD and up.

[Jeffbx]

Check the front page of deals today - it's an off-lease I think, but the Dell Latitude D400s are going for nothing - that one has a 12.1" screen.

[ray]

I thought that too, but I think they want a larger screen.

oops, didn't see the minimum screen size requirement.

I'm a huge fan of screens 12" and smaller and seem to replace my laptop every couple years.

For the price range of $400-$500 you are going to find it difficult to find something that has all of the specifications you are looking for.

As someone pointed out, you might be able to find a deal once every few months, but my experience with those types of computers are slower processors, less RAM, or lack of something else.

Asus & Averatec make some smaller laptops, but they'll run you $700ish and higher. You can find a refurb in your price range, but you'll want to get some kind of third party warranty if you do that (Mack Camera sells great affordable third party warranties).

Dell and HP may have a sale for smaller notebooks, so keep your eye out for thoses.

Sony and Samsung have tiny tiny laptops, but they're priced well over $1,000.