Best laptop UNDER $300?

[jjjay999]

Hi, I'm looking for the best possible laptop under $300. I don't really want HP, as I've had really bad experience with HP. Windows 7/8/8.1 (as long as I can upgrade to 10).
Screen size: 14"-16" Screen resolution: I don't care
Preferably an SSD of 128 GB or more or a SSHD hybrid. RAM 4 GB minimum. It will be used primarily for portable PC tasks, web surfing, email, watching movies, light gaming, older games/emulation and a Steam streaming PC. Preferably AT LEAST 2 USB ports, 3 is optimal. Also I need HDMI out. Optical drive isn't a must. Decent battery life (5 hours+) would be great as well. I don't need a backlit keyboard. I don't need a touchscreen. Thanks!

 

[TechyInAZ]

This is the best I could find: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834319445

 

[jjjay999]

That's near perfect Techy! My only gripe is it's a 500gb/5400 rpm hdd. How is windows startup on a "regular"/5400 rpm hdd? I've only ever used sshd's and SSD's with win 7/8/8.1. I'm just fearing something painfully slow, yet I don't know. Thanks!

 

[boosted1g]

So you want a bellow $300 laptop with ssd drive that can do light gaming (so not Celeron or intel atom)...you better start looking at used laptops then.

I will keep an eye out, and you me know if you see a new Audi R8 for under $30k USD.

 

[jjjay999]

No need to be an ass, boosted. As I already said, Techy's post was spot on except I have reservations about the hdd.

Also, refurb is NOT out of the question.

 

[jaguarskx]

You are not really going to get a laptop for less than $300 with a SSD. Your best option is probably to get the recommended laptop above and deal with the performance of a 5400RPM HDD until you can save up enough money to replace the HDD with a SSD.

 

[TechyInAZ]

That's near perfect Techy! My only gripe is it's a 500gb/5400 rpm hdd. How is windows startup on a "regular"/5400 rpm hdd? I've only ever used sshd's and SSD's with win 7/8/8.1. I'm just fearing something painfully slow, yet I don't know. Thanks!

It won't be painfully slow (especially if you have fast boot enabled on windows 8/10), but it will be 2x slower than a SSD. My advice would be to save up for a Samsung 120GB 850 EVO drive when you can afford it.

While boosted was a little harsh 😛, he's got a point, $300 won't get you anything special.

BTW...Boosted, Ill defiantly look out for an Audi that's below $30,000. 😀

 

[jjjay999]

I'm going with your recommendation, Techy. Thanks everyone!

 

[TechyInAZ]

Your welcome! Hope that laptop works out very well for you.