Need a laptop recommendation for a parent ($500-$700)

Maybe spend around $500. I don't think you need to spend any more than that..

I won't recommend any particular, but I always suggest staying away from HP laptops.. They seem to overheat worse than any other ones consistently..

No reason to spend $500 on

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email, internet use, and picture bullshite.

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Acer with i3, 4GB RAM, $260 after rebates: LINK

Lenovo i5, 4GB RAM refurbed, $220
LINK

Both will easily handle what they want to do. Adding the SSD as mentioned could still be a good option.

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So, if I were to give you 500-700, what would you buy to max out that amount given the above issues.

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Dell with a 17-inch screen. I'm assuming this will be more or less a stationary laptop.

LINK

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How does that compare to this?

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I like the 17-inch screen because it normally comes with a real numeric keypad. The one you linked to does not have a built-in DVD drive which is unusual for a laptop. If you want a touch screen, take a look at THIS, available from amazon for $639.

BTW, I'm old too and really appreciate the larger screen.

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She will only like the computer if I spend the above amount of money and it feels/looks like a good/expensive computer.

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Broadly, I think Lenovo and Asus tend to look more nicely made than HP. I'm not sure about Acer, but tend to be suspicious of them because they're usually a little less money for similarly spec'd computers.

One specific, tentative recommendation which is just a few dollars over budget...

Lenovo IdeaPad S510


The main reason I'd recommend this is that it has enough power, has a touch screen which is kind of nice when you prefer to work that way, and most importantly-- per your comments-- it feels well made. It has a reasonably sturdy metal base and doesn't feel like it's bending like cheap plastic ones do when you lift it with one hand from the side with the lid open. One of my daughter's managed to put a small dent on the aluminum cover of one, so it's not ToughBook sturdy, but with basic, adult level care, it should hold up nicely.

My only concerns in recommending it:

1) The touch screen is nice and can be very useful. With the older model I have, after my 10 & 12 year old daughters got ahold of it, they managed to make it so the touch screen worked but the track pad didn't a couple times. If I remember correctly, a simple reboot cleared that up. This may not be an issue with the newer ones, and may be something that happens to any touch screen laptop... not sure. I just think it's worth mentioning if your mom doesn't take basic problem solving steps like rebooting before calling you to complain. But I still prefer the touch screen in any case.

2) Again, I bought mine a year and a half ago. I can't put it past Lenovo to have decided to save $5 in parts to make this year's model more cheaply with crappy plastic hinges, etc. Mine are nicely made. But I would recommend trying to see it in person if possible. At a glance, I don't see this one at Best Buy, regrettably, only at Office Depot and Amazon... so seeing it depends on if you're near an Office Depot.