I seriously doubt you'll find something with all those specs for that price. Your probably looking at a $650+ machine if you want it to be quick, have the HDMI, and last a good long while. The main difference between all the brands is just that, the brand name.
As for lasting a long while, most PCs last around 2-4 years. At the end of this time period, they are generally outdated in some way and considerably slower than they were originally. The only exception to this 'law' that I've discovered are Macs. I own one of the original iMacs from 1999, and it still zips along fast enough to rival my 4 year old Dell Inspiron. Sure, the hardware in it has been outdated a hundred times, but the ole thing still works like the day I bought it.
Your right, it's easy to install RAM at home. It's quite easy to do on all laptops, except maybe my new MacBook Pro (I think you have to remove the whole bottom plate actually, on it).
Your also right to suppose that computers will be cheaper after christmas. Christmas "sales" are to generate more "sales", not give you good "sales".
So, my advice is, don't expect to get what you want for that price (you MIGHT get luck, but I wouldn't expect it!). As for which one to get, I'd go to the local electronics store and check em all out. This is actually kind of fun, and it gives you a good idea of what you can get. However, it's probably better to buy online. It's generally cheaper.
So, Now your thinking, "did he give me any useful info at all???".....Yes, he did; he told you to go shopping when you want to buy something!
Good luck.
i need to buy a laptop
what is the difference btw all the brands anyway?
is there like a better brand or maybe one tjats more reliable or durable or something?
its gonna be used for schoolwork, internet, maybe watch movies and hopefully with hdmi connection, no games or anything b/c i feel that hitches up the price and even if i play it would be like starcraft or something simple likt that
i need light weight b/c i'll most likely be carrying it around everyday
i'm also very impatient - i can't have my pc hiccup everytime i open a new window
i know that it's usually easier to install new ram bought separately(right?)so i need something that i can upgrade at home
last an most importantly, i need it to be as inexpensive as it can get without sacrificing any of this i was originally looking around $4-500~ let me know if that is unrealistic and how much hould I be considering to spend
i know black friday is coming up
i kinda wanted to buy now b/c i need it for school and semester would be almost over by then and then it would be better off for me to buy later maybe after christmas when its cheaper (?)
is it going to be worth it to wait for black friday?
i hear they're not giving such good DEAls persay b/c they just notch down the ram and processor a biut to adjust the price without sacrificing too much. it it true?
should I wait or is it now worth it?
thanks
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic