I'm actually shopping for a friend right now, she is in the 500$ range. Another site is techforless.com
I found a Dell Inspiron on sale at Bestbuy (online only) for 479
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+...3473.p?id=1218150608785&skuId=9693473&st=dell inspiron
This laptop features a 15.6" widescreen display and a built-in 1.3MP webcam for video chatting with friends and family. An Intel® Pentium® processor elevates multitasking capabilities, boosts productivity and enhances your entertainment and Internet browsing experiences. Windows 7 Home Premium preloaded
Which Windows 7 edition is best for you? Compare.Learn more about Intel® processors.
Information provided by Intel.
What's Included
◦Dell Inspiron Laptop with Intel® Pentium® Processor
◦6-cell lithium-ion battery
◦Power cable
◦Software: Microsoft Works and more
◦Owner's manual
Product Features
◦Intel® Pentium® processor T4400
Features an 800MHz system bus, 1MB cache and 2.2GHz processor speed.
◦3GB DDR2 SoDIMM memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 4GB.
◦Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
To create custom DVDs and CDs.
◦15.6" widescreen display
With 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies, games and other images.
◦250GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
◦Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
For lush images. Built-in speakers with High Definition Audio 2.0.
◦Built-in 1.3MP webcam
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends.
◦7-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard Plus, High Density Secure Digital and Secure Digital High Capacity formats.
◦3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
◦Built-in Dell 1397 wireless networking card (802.11b/g)
Wirelessly connect to the Internet.
◦Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
◦Weighs 5.8 lbs. and measures just 1.5" thin
For easy portability.
◦Long battery life
Of up to 4 hours and 34 minutes to give you more time away from an outlet.
◦Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
◦Software package included
With Microsoft Works and more.
◦ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
◦Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries
I'm going either HP or Dell for her