advise on a laptop?

[Hook#3287]

Well, I know I might be sorry for reporting this, but I thought since so many chimed in, I'd let ya know what I ended up buying.
Believe it or not, I took Meathead's advice...can't believe I'm saying this...
The son in law & I spent couple hours at Best Buy one evening and I tried every machine they had in my price range there.  By far the Ipad was faster, better quality for old eyes, and we got it for $249!

again, thanks to all that replied,
Craig

P.S. Rob, j/k   

you are screwed now Craig. 

Um, Craig, you're not going to become a Lizzy Warren supporter now, are you?

[NewValker]

Only if Pocahontas funds THE WALL. 

[gordonv]

Decide what you want in your laptop that may have been in your PC, and if you want it in your new portable computer.

DVD player
HDMI output
size of screen

For me, 15" screen minimum. HDMI output to TV for travel and viewing movies. I forgot the DVD player, so now have no way of watching shows from my DVD library.

I've an IPAD mini. Would never pay the money for one, new or used (wife bought it for me). Would get any kind of android or windows tablet while let you expand with a memory card. Has a USB to connect to your computer for transferring of files. Easier for the PDF service manuals I travel with.