Here we see most of these current models. There are many alternatives to the HP Stream but you should think about the Stream's lack f a CD/DVD drive to put a crimp in that use.
Why not one in the top 10 at link to follow?
Bob
PS. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Computers-Accessories-Laptop/zgbs/pc/565108 current first hit with a ODD (optical drive) is http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-G50-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Core/dp/B00K6ZIFAQ/ref=zg_bs_565108_9 under 400USD.
I'm moving abroad in 1 month to Japan for college, and think I may need a laptop to support my Surface 2.
Surface 2 is my primary device, does mostly what I need it to do, but is missing some features due to Windows RT. Looking for lightweight laptop with full Windows to run programs that Windows RT can't, such as:
Adobe Acrobat XI Pro (primarily the OCR features)
Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe Photoshop Essentials
Basic video editing (Avidemux, etc.)
Google Chrome
OIV Viewer (like a proprietary PowerPoint)
MusicBee
Some very basic games (more like educational software, Influent etc; if at all possible, really non-demanding games like Torchlight)
ExactAudioCopy for ripping CDs (laptop doesn't necessarily need optical drive)
Some are essential, some things I can live without. Of course, it still needs to do Microsoft Office, web browser, etc. That being said, because this is a secondary device, I don't need it to be very powerful and I will probably still use my Surface 2 for day-to-day.
Been considering HP Stream 11/13, etc. Surface 3 could replace both but won't be released until after I leave. Not sure if it's a good idea to wait it out and see if Surface 3 will be released in Japan.
Does anybody have any suggestions? Thank you!
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic