New laptop

[dogememe]

The upcoming Prime day before Black Friday is a good time to buy a Windows 11 budget laptop.

A lot of laptops in the $3-400 range that aren't junk for the OP's need. Just keep it updated and you will be fine. I have lived for 2 years with a $ 300 unit I bought for $222 on Black Friday. Its been wonderful laptop with a real IPS screen, i3 Intel, 128gb storage with over half still free. I quit buying $6-700 laptops, they don't last any longer and full of stuff I don't need or want.. This is what I bought and its better than my Lenovo, with a much better screen. This is a lot more than I paid due to memory and import fees I guess. The 8gb RAM has caused no issues.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CV5ZSR17?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1

You used to be able to get an acceptable laptop for $400. Those times have changed. Computers are literally double the price they were two years ago. Keep that in mind…

And an i3 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is not a “wonderful” laptop. I am glad it works for you but… you get what you pay for.

I understand that everyone has a budget and different priorities which is why I specifically stated that if the budget was fixed at $400, used was the best route, while if the budget could be increased to around $700, you’ll get a nicer machine.

A new $700 computer will not necessarily last longer than a new $400 computer. But it will offer an enjoyable experience for a longer period of time and will likely remain useful even if OPs (or some software OP uses) requirements change.

I’m not trying to be rude or contrary but there is no world in which a $400 new laptop in 2026 is “wonderful”

 

[DCDG]

You used to be able to get an acceptable laptop for $400. Those times have changed. Computers are literally double the price they were two years ago. Keep that in mind…

And an i3 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is not a “wonderful” laptop. I am glad it works for you but… you get what you pay for.

I understand that everyone has a budget and different priorities which is why I specifically stated that if the budget was fixed at $400, used was the best route, while if the budget could be increased to around $700, you’ll get a nicer machine.

A new $700 computer will not necessarily last longer than a new $400 computer. But it will offer an enjoyable experience for a longer period of time and will likely remain useful even if OPs (or some software OP uses) requirements change.

I’m not trying to be rude or contrary but there is no world in which a $400 new laptop in 2026 is “wonderful”

This Chromebook has been performing wonderful for the past 7 years just looking over the horizon for a suitable replacement I know it's aging and nothing lasts forever.

 

[Rand]

if you want a nice chromebook

Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 CX3402CBA-DH388-GR 14" Chromebook - Full HD - Intel Core i3 12th Gen i3-1215U - 8 GB - 128 GB Flash Memory - Rocky Gray - Intel Chip - 1920 x 1080 - ChromeOS - UHD Graphics​

is under $400
but OLED screen is game changer.