Reddit mentions of Dell Inspiron i15RV-10000BLK 15.6-Inch Laptop (1.8 GHz Intel i5 3337U Processor, 4 GB Ram, 500 GB Hard Drive, Windows 8) Black Matte with Textured Finish [Discontinued By Manufacturer]

Have a look at this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AM7MM84/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1375115605&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX110_SY190

I was considering it for myself but decided instead on a macbook air. It seems like a nice laptop though. I've already seen a video of someone easily upgrading the RAM and HDD in it as well, which is comforting for the future. A solid state drive would really speed it up. It's got a nice 3rd generation i5 in it though, and the battery life apparently isn't too bad (though a SSD would make it last even longer).

Thank you. I've considered purchasing this Dell i15RV-10000BLK with an i5 in it as well. Would the Asus you mentioned be the better choice between the two?

there are a lot of comments in the "new laptop" thread on the FM official forums. start from the last page. you can find deals for laptops with an i5 processor under or around 500$. i would suggest you to take such a deal. example of such a deal. in FM the most important things are cpu then memory then gpu. with an i5 you are good to go. the best choice would be finding a laptop with both an i5 + dedicated GPU within your budget.

Well, than you will need some extra bucks from your parents. Here are two laptops with an i5 as cheap as possible:

• Asus A550CA-EB51
  
• Dell Inspiron 15 i15RV-10000BLK