Best sub-$200 laptop?

[xcbrent]

My sister is looking to get a cheap sub-$200 laptop for web browsing and typing documents on Word for school. She will not be gaming whatsoever for those wondering. What would be your guy's recommendations?

Thank You!!

 

[Retic3nt]

My honest suggestion, craigslist all $250 laptops and below then compare specs for the best one and haggle (you can actually get good laptops doing this I nearly got a ROG from 2012 but alas he wouldn't go lower than $275). Alternatively you could try a pawnshop they can be hit or miss though.

If you have to have a semi reputable one then http/www.amazon.com/HP-Elitebook-8440p-14-Inch-Professional/dp/B00JAWY7NA/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1447396586&sr=1-7&keywords=i3+laptop&refinements=p_36%3A1253506011&pebp=1447396601205&perid=0KC5R3TR2PQPRAE80WGR

 

[jaguarskx]

You basically have two choices if she wants something new....

#1 - Chromebook
#2 - Budget Windows laptop

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Google's Chromebooks uses the Chrome OS which is basically a web browser. It is simple, but limited. It does not run any Windows programs but instead uses web apps to do things; Google Docs is a word processor; and Google Sheets is a spreadsheet. Two major complaints that I am aware of are:

A. No Skype
B. Must print to a network printer.

Skype is pretty popular (I never used it), but it cannot be used on a Chromebook. Printing out anything from a Chromebook require you to connect to a network printer. You cannot use a standard printer that connects to a PC using a USB port; it simply will not work.

The following video explains some of the things a Chromebook can do.
https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNPkvr7F82Q

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Starting last year expensive laptops running Windows began hitting the market. Microsoft did not want to give up the educational market to Google so they decide to practically give away Windows 8.1 to brand name manufacturers who sells laptops for less than $250. These laptops run the full version of Windows 8.1 and can be upgraded to Windows 10. Naturally you can install Windows programs.

The HP Stream 11 is an example of a Windows laptop selling for $200. Amazon is selling last year's model for $180 (see price in the cart) and the recently released 2015 version for $199.

http/www.amazon.com/HP-Includes-Personal-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00NSHLUBU
http/www.amazon.com/HP-11-r010nr-11-6-Inch-Notebook-Processor/dp/B015CQ8SGE/ref=dp_ob_title_ce


Here's a review of last year's model:
https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-xgNlp-L7A

Here's a review of this year's model:
https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=57olB6U9VO8