which laptop could I buy that's under $500

Solution
Buy whatever one is under $500? Depends what want? Light gaming, look for something with a dedicated GPU or a good built on graphics? Photo editing, go for better screen and more RAM. Want to store and watch a lot of movies, go for bigger hard drive. Want lots of battery life for light surfing, go for a low power CPU.

Your question is like I want a car for $15,000 without saying you need a van for kids or a truck for towing or a small engine for gas mileage or whatever.
Buy whatever one is under $500? Depends what want? Light gaming, look for something with a dedicated GPU or a good built on graphics? Photo editing, go for better screen and more RAM. Want to store and watch a lot of movies, go for bigger hard drive. Want lots of battery life for light surfing, go for a low power CPU.

Your question is like I want a car for $15,000 without saying you need a van for kids or a truck for towing or a small engine for gas mileage or whatever.
 
Solution