Old laptop is on its last legs...what I use it for:

-browsing (largely)
-word/excel/photoshop
-music
-videos (torrent tv shows)
don't really game anymore on the computer (mostly console)

What CPU and GPU should I aim for? Should I even bother spending more than $500-600?

You could even spend less than that if you don't mind a smaller screen.

/e
You don't need a dedicated GPU if that's all you do. Integrated graphics will work just fine.

This post was edited by DeXaFiLaH on Dec 23 2014 06:26pm

I want a 15.6"

I see all the cheap ones have Intel HD Graphics...good enough for me?

Btw, should I not bother messing with refurbs?

This post was edited by Meeker on Dec 23 2014 06:39pm

I dont like messing with refurbs but some people swear by them

if you dont game at all Intel HD will be fine, the laptop might run hot though

mine runs like you can cook on it.

Seems I'd rather not go Intel HD then lol

Seems like its all Intel and NVIDIA nowadays...I thought AMD was pretty good back in the day, should I steer clear or what?

Mines amd, avoid like the plague

Read a bunch of the refurb reviews on newegg and while a lot are happy a good portion of them say they came with broken components...don't really want to deal with that.

Anyone else?

Seems I'll be going with:

New
Intel CPU (more specific on the model?)
NVIDIA GPU

My current laptop is an ASUS and I'd gladly buy again...what about other's though?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314535

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314685

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834317598

I'm sure there's more.