As you begin to search for a new $300, $400 or $500 Windows based laptop there are a few things you want to look for:

You are going to want at least duel-core processor ether from AMD of from Intel.

I have no real preference between AMD or Intel other than price. You get more bang for your buck with AMD but with laptops, performance will be about the same on all fronts with a laptop in our price range. » Read more: Looking for a new laptop?