I'm 66 years old and I'm about to retire. I'm looking to purchase a laptop that I will use primarily for Internet access and watching videos. I would prefer one with Windows as I'm familiar with it from my work computer.

I don't want to spend a fortune. Ideally, I would like something in the $300 - $500 price range.

Thanks in advance for your assistance and advice.

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Posted by ArkLaTexTiger

Houston

Member since Nov 2009

2461 posts

Posted on 7/13/14 at 12:38 pm to COTiger

This should get the job done. Here's a basic $500 HP with an Intel i3 processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive and Windows 7: LINK

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Posted by ILikeLSUToo

Central, LA

Member since Jan 2008

18018 posts

Posted on 7/13/14 at 12:52 pm to COTiger

Here are a few cheaper ones that would serve your purpose:

Lenovo IdeaPad G510 (59406750) Notebook Intel Pentium 3550M (2.30GHz) 4GB Memory 500GB HDD Intel HD Graphics 4000 15.6" Windows 8.1 for $339.99

ASUS D450CA-AH21 Notebook Intel Pentium 2117U (1.80GHz) 4GB Memory 320GB HDD Intel HD Graphics 14.0" Windows 8 64-bit for $349.00

DELL Inspiron i15RV-954BLK Notebook Intel Pentium 2127U (1.90GHz) 4GB Memory 500GB HDD Intel HD Graphics 15.6" Windows 8.1 for $349.99

HP Pavilion 2000-2d80NR Notebook AMD E2-Series AMD E2-3000 1.65GHz 4GB Memory 500GB HDD AMD Radeon HD 8280 15.6" Windows 8.1 for $379.99

After that, I'd recommend you swap out the 5400rpm hard drive with a 128 or 256gb SSD, and that alone will make the PC last a lot longer, run significantly faster, and tolerate a lot more "abuse" as far as data clutter, which will cause slowdowns in traditional hard drives. However, since you said you are computer illiterate, you might need to find someone to do it for you. Otherwise, just buy any of the above notebooks as is, and be extremely mindful of what you download and install.

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Posted by Layabout

Baton Rouge

Member since Jul 2011

11082 posts

Posted on 7/13/14 at 2:18 pm to COTiger

I'd recommend getting a 17-inch screen since you'll be using it primarily as a desktop replacement. HP has some decent models in the $400-500 range. Be sure to get one with a decent sound system since you're going to be watching movies on it.

I got one of these last year for $449. It has great sound and--very unusual--a BluRay drive. It's discontinued but if you google the model number you may still find one available on-line.

LINK

This post was edited on 7/13/14 at 4:20 pm

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Posted by Spankum

Miss-sippi

Member since Jan 2007

55986 posts

Posted on 7/13/14 at 5:24 pm to COTiger

I am more familiar with the Windows platform as well, but have you considered something like an iPad?...if you are about to lose the technical support from your work to help you clear up problems, that may be something to consider...

A relative of mine was always having trouble with viruses and malfunctions of a laptop...since I bought her an ipad for christmas, there has not been one single problem...

functionality of an ipad is certainly limited versus a laptop, but it will certainly handle internet surfing and move watching...

This post was edited on 7/13/14 at 10:36 pm

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Posted by COTiger

Colorado

Member since Dec 2007

16842 posts

Posted on 7/13/14 at 5:48 pm to Spankum

I've considered an Ipdad as my wife has one. I'm still leaning to the laptop. My youngest son is pretty computer savvy so he could assist with a laptop if there were issues.

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Posted by Spankum

Miss-sippi

Member since Jan 2007

55986 posts

Posted on 7/13/14 at 10:45 pm to COTiger

quote:
I've considered an Ipdad as my wife has one. I'm still leaning to the laptop. My youngest son is pretty computer savvy so he could assist with a laptop if there were issues.

agreed....if you already have an ipad in the house, then you should get a laptop as I find them to be a lot more functional...

I have always had great luck with the dells, so I would get something like that dell that is listed a couple of posts back...

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Posted by GalvoAg