[fan00]

Okay, I am admittedly NOT a computer guru. At all. However, my laptop died last week and I am looking to get a new one. I don't want or need anything fancy...I don't care how it looks. I just need it to do basic internet stuff (email, blog, pictures, music, Netflix, etc.) and documents (I am a teacher). I do not play video games at all, so I don't care about the gaming stuff. I am looking to spend under $500 if possible. So, all of you computer experts...do you have suggestions for me? I considered getting an ipad and a keyboard since I type..a lot. But I don't know if that is my best option...any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Cider Jim]

Liberty supplies its faculty with a Lenovo T410.

It works pretty well for me, esp. if you get the extended battery. That's all I've got but have no idea how much the retail price is on one of those.

[alabama24]

Get an iPad.

[lynchburgwildcats]

or if you prefer android, just get an android tablet like an Asus Transformer since you can use Flash on the Android OS. I hate flash, but the world hasn't abandoned it yet so it still comes in handy.

[From the class of 09]

Disagree if you're going to type a lot don't go with the tablet. It can be done with a bluetooth keyboard but most the keyboards are smaller and awkward if you’re going to do serious work.

I have an ipad with keyboard for work. It’s cool and gets the job done but I'd trade it for a decent laptop.

[RubberMallet]

a tablet doesn't replace a good laptop for the most part. look on dealnews.com and buy the most computer you can for the buck.

[phoenix]

Tiger Direct and Newegg also have good deals on laptops that come in under $500.

Tiger Direct's list of sub $500 laptops -- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=4935

Newegg's list of laptops between $400 and 500 -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... -%20%24500

They both also have refurbed laptops if you don't mind something like that -- sometimes you can get a killer deal on a refurbed unit.

[alabama24]

I considered getting an ipad and a keyboard since I type..a lot. But I don't know if that is my best option...

After re-reading your post, I will change my recommendation. The iPad is not the best option for you… or at least not based upon what you have told us.

If I could only have two machines, I would choose an iMac & an iPad. If I could only choose only one machine, I would choose a MacBook Pro. If I could choose only one machine, but not an iPad, and under $500 I would become a monk for a year and get a MacBook the next year.

In your case, buying a junko windows laptop might be your best bet. Just make sure it doesn't have windows 8 on it unless you have a good life insurance policy.

[phoenix]

I considered getting an ipad and a keyboard since I type..a lot. But I don't know if that is my best option...

After re-reading your post, I will change my recommendation. The iPad is not the best option for you… or at least not based upon what you have told us.

If I could only have two machines, I would choose an iMac & an iPad. If I could only choose only one machine, I would choose a MacBook Pro. If I could choose only one machine, but not an iPad, and under $500 I would become a monk for a year and get a MacBook the next year.

In your case, buying a junko windows laptop might be your best bet. Just make sure it doesn't have windows 8 on it unless you have a good life insurance policy.

I have yet to see a Windows laptop running Windows 8. The consumer review edition just came out maybe a week ago (?), so I seriously doubt they're selling machines with it installed already.

[RubberMallet]

it was pretty apparent he had no idea what he was talking about.

[NotAJerry]

Windows 8 is expected to release formally around October.

If you want to try a tablet with a keyboard, try to find a place where they'll let you tinker with the ASUS Transformer Prime. The cheap version of that, with the keyboard docking station, is going to run you over $700.

Look at the deal sites mentioned already and add slickdeals.net and shopper.com (run by CNET) to the mix. You should be able to find a really solid laptop for a good, cheap price.

[BJWilliams]

it was pretty apparent he had no idea what he was talking about.

he's an Apple fanboy (alabama24) so of course he wouldnt know what he's talking about

[Humble_Opinion]

it was pretty apparent he had no idea what he was talking about.

He's bought in to the whole idea of Mac's as the savior of computer's. What did you expect?

The best machine I can find for you (in my opinion at least) is this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834215252

The first choice would have been this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834215270

But as you can tell, it's out of stock. You can go to best buy and try out a lot of these machines. I try to stay away from the HP's and Dell's of the world because they usually come preloaded with a lot of junkie programs - especially the one's bought in house at a retail store like Best Buy. I've purchased hardware from Newegg before and have never had an issue.

[flamehunter]

We bought an ACER at tech giant Wal-mart a couple years ago for ~$400 and have been very pleased.

[alabama24]

I have yet to see a Windows laptop running Windows 8. The consumer review edition just came out maybe a week ago (?), so I seriously doubt they're selling machines with it installed already.

I knew that it wasn't out yet, but didn't know when in makes it debut. I fully admit to being a Mac Fan and blissfully ignorant of Windoze.

[BJWilliams]

I have yet to see a Windows laptop running Windows 8. The consumer review edition just came out maybe a week ago (?), so I seriously doubt they're selling machines with it installed already.

I knew that it wasn't out yet, but didn't know when in makes it debut. I fully admit to being a overly delusional Mac Fanboy and blissfully ignorant of a better operating system if it hit me like a ton of bricks

FIFY

[phoenix]

<slight threadjack>
After checking out the video for the Consumer Preview Edition of Windows 8, I have to say it looks pretty good for a tablet OS, but I don't like it as a laptop/desktop OS.
</threadjack>