Help choosing a laptop under $450

[drewbagel423]

Hi all,

For the past few weeks I've been searching for a new laptop for less than $450 or so. Have been getting somewhat frustrated. Perhaps my requirements are too high for my budget. Anyways, I plan on using the laptop mainly for doing stock market-related things (charting, trading, etc) and running my blog. I may play the occasional game or two but it would be older games like Sins of a Solar Empire, C&C3, or Supreme Commander 2. If those are too demanding for my budget it's no big loss.

Here is what I am looking at in terms of a system:
~Intel Core i3 - Though this is not a requirement, it seems to be the best choice for me
~4GB of RAM minimum
~320GB-500GB hard drive is fine
~MUST HAVE a 10-key numeric keypad - Guess this means a 15.6" screen?
~Backlit or illuminated keyboard is a major plus

Have been mainly looking for Toshiba Satellite, Sony Vaio E Series, Lenovo due to reviews I've read, but am not married to them.
Here's a few I've picked out. Feedback or new suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

http/www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0395011
http/www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0382661
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+15.6%26%2334%3B+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/5218639.p?id=1218627594187&skuId=5218639
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+15.6%26%2334%3B+Satellite+Laptop+-+4GB+Memory+-+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Matrix+Graphite/5042276.p?id=1218603010056&skuId=5042276

 

[DarkOutlaw]

Toshiba Satellite is a good choice. My girl has that exact model, and I have the model with the i5 processor in it. Both are really nice, no issues whatsoever.

 

[drewbagel423]

Toshiba Satellite is a good choice. My girl has that exact model, and I have the model with the i5 processor in it. Both are really nice, no issues whatsoever.

The one I posted? Thanks. Is the keyboard backlit?

Any other opinions out there?

 

[DarkOutlaw]

No the i3 toshiba does not have the backlit keyboard.

 

[drewbagel423]

No the i3 toshiba does not have the backlit keyboard.

Crap

 

[ScrewySqrl]

the lenovo Think-series are not backlit either, but does come with a little white LED at the top of the screen. turn it on for a little light on your keyboard in the dark

 

[drewbagel423]

the lenovo Think-series are not backlit either, but does come with a little white LED at the top of the screen. turn it on for a little light on your keyboard in the dark

Oh they still have that? That's good to know, thanks!