download adaware (free) from lavasoft. Run it and see if it doesn’t speed it up.
I’ve been impressed by the idea of the new systems that are both a laptop and a tablet. Haven’t yet seen one that functions really efficiently in both modes, though.
Also not crazy about the ones with a detachable keyboard, as I’m sure you’d invariably not have the keyboard with you when wanted. Not to mention chance of loss.
I finally dumped my PCs and bought a Mac Book Pro. It is more expensive, but I think the cost is worth it. The retina display is incredible.
Toshiba is one of the best. Like ASUS. And Lenovo.
(This reminds me of people who swear by one brand of gasoline, and promise never to buy another named brand.)
Try installing Ubuntu Linux on your old laptop. It won’t help with hardware issues like dead pixels but it will fix OS related issues. Best of all it is FREE.
Check compatibility first and you can even run the os from a thumb drive (without actually installing) to test compatibility.
My 7 year old dell laptop was dying a couple of years ago. I installed Ubuntu and it has been running like a champ ever since.
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop
You missed the most important part which is what the heck you plan on doing with it. That will determine what the parameters of the laptop should be and since you did not tell us that there’s not much to say.
My children and I like Windows 8.1 on a $1500 touch-screen desktop we bought from HP. We mostly use it in desktop mode, but touch is convenient and fun for the kids. It is fast. Skydrive, which gives you 7 GB of storage in the cloud, is neat.
If your laptop is stationary, can you connect a $100 monitor to it? My ex has a Mac Air with an effed up screen and a 24’’ monitor which works just fine.
Wait until January. Lots of places will have big sales to boost sales and dump inventory.
I’ve been using Windows 8 on the new HP for a few days and I like it. It takes some getting used to but no biggie.
1) Add memory. If you are using 2gb of memory, or even 4gb of memory then put in 8gb or whatever max your laptop may have. Memory is pretty cheap.
2) Remove your old hard drive and install an SSD hard drive. You will be blown away at what a difference this will make in terms of start up times and overall performance. SSDs are pretty cheap now. I just bought a 256gb SSD for $139. You can get a 500gb on sale for less than $250. You can even get a 1tb SSD for about $550 now.
Do both of these combined and you probably won't need to buy a whole new laptop... unless you want to.
BFL...
People seem to like Windows 8.1. Don’t let the Linux and Apple zealots deter you.
Get a Mac.
I would suggest going to eCollegePC.com.
I have purchased 3 PCs from them and all have been stellar performers.
The have many pre-made configs but I would suggest using the Customer Builder and you can build your own. With free FedEx shipping, my last one cost me under $800.
AMD FX Configurator :
This is using my current monitor, KB, mouse and speakers with subwoofer.
In January mrs p6 bought a HP Pavillion laptop from QVC without asking me. Came with W8...updated o 8.1 for free. Have to admit she loves it. Came with lifetime support which she used for minor stuff...basically adapting to W8.
No problems, less than $800...Maybe less than $700...I don’t recall.
Came on 6 payment plan...no questions asked.
It’s been a great machine for her! Took maybe a month...maybe less ...for her to adapt to W8 but the best part is I don’t have to be tech support.
Look at the Lenovo Yoga Pro. My son has had one for a year and likes it so much I purchased the Yoga Pro 2 for my wife for Christmas. The top of the line is over your budget but you can find one in your price range. I am very impressed with the machine. Absolutely get a touch screen.
Why not Toshiba?
This one is being released soon to BestBuy and you will not be able to find a better deal anywhere for any computer.
Toshiba - Satellite 17.3” Laptop - 8GB Memory - 750GB Hard Drive - Satin Black
$379.99