Best bang for buck in a laptop around $350?

[Fumesucker]

A neighbor asked me about a laptop for his daughter who starts HS this fall, he wants to spend around $350 plus or minus $50.

Thought I would pass the question on to my favorite computer forum.

Any really amazing deals out there?

[steve2470]

1. something to look at, perhaps ?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA15T0YF1867

Acer 11.6" Aspire Laptop 4GB 320GB

$300. Good luck.

[Ptah]

2. Dell - Inspiron 15.6" Laptop - 4GB Memory - 320GB Hard Drive - Black $279.99

At Best Buy

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+Inspiron+15.6%26%2334%3B+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/8786054.p?id=1218893506517&skuId=8786054

[Fumesucker]

3. That's about $50 cheaper than I've seen anything equivalent

It's got a decent score with a lot of reviews, that doesn't seem to happen often with laptops. I think that one may be a go, I'll pass the word on.

Thanks.

[hobbit709]

4. If you have a Fry's near you they often have sales in the $275-350 range.

Of course the only problem now is Windows 8.

[ShawnRIN]

5. You can save a lot with refurbished laptops

Anything with DDR3, multi-core processor should last a few years. Tiger Direct, New Egg, and Amazon give great deals on refurbished laptops. Typically 20-30%. The downside is that the warrantee is typically only good for 90 days from when the manufacturer sends it, not when you receive it. So if your going to break it, you must do it when you first get it. In the long run, a machine with better specs will last longer than a new one with worse specs.

I like this one. No CD drive, so it could be a challenge uploading some programs, but its small and light and she will appreciate it if she needs to tote it around. The SSD will give it a fast and smooth interface.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314063

Or something like this if she will be stationary: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8013463&CatId=4936

[jrandom421]

6. Check the Dell Outlet

Some pretty decent systems, with good prices, sometimes with discount coupons and free shipping

http://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/?ST=dell%20outlet&dgc=ST&cid=257870&lid=4605723&acd=123098073120600