Reddit mentions of Lenovo - 330S-15ARR 15.6" Laptop - AMD Ryzen 5 - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Platinum Gray

Honestly for general purpose a simple laptop would be cheaper and better. For under $500 you can even get an R5 3500U for light gaming.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=psdc_13896615011_t3_B07R8YTVQM

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?keywords=2500u+laptop&qid=1557010594&s=gateway&sr=8-13

Only $400, full 1080p screen, decent CPU, and the best GPU at the price, new. Lenovo seems to have decent build quality.

size is a big one for students. 15.6in is good, but if you have a small pack or need it to be smaller 13 inch laptops are out there. since students would be using their computer a lot to open things like word documents or spreadsheets, so you need a fast but efficient processor and a good amount of ram like maybe 8 or 16gb, like a ryzen 5 3500u.

the amd laptops are cheaper and offer similar performance to intel laptops. look for laptops with ssds, so it starts up fast and is snappy. though ssds are small in capacity unless you need to have large photoshop or 3d modeling stuff on the laptop, ssds are definately the better option for students.

look for either high quality plastic chassis or metal chassis, as these are durable and are good for taking out/putting away a lot, and are generally light as most metal laptop chassis are aluminum these days.

you should also look for laptops with a good battery life, at least around 19~14 hours. also look for USB-C charging capable laptops as a lot of phones have them nowadays, so you only have to carry one charger if your phone uses USB-C, and you can transfer files between your phone and laptop quickly if you need to.

also look for thin designs as these are easy to carry, usually lighter than textbooks and dont make you tired carrying around all day.

here are some good examples of what i just said: https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=ryzen+5+3500u+thin+light&qid=1574045426&sr=8-7 according to reviews of this, as long as you remove McAfee "antivirus" it is blazing fast

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VivoBook-R5-3500U-Graphics-F512DA-EB51/dp/B07QQB7552/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=thin+light+laptop+amd&qid=1574045773&sr=8-2 fast cpu and good amount of storage. REMOVE MCAFEE if its there

edit:formatting

The Lenovo IdeaPad 330S is a decent laptop in your budget that should be able to get the job for you easily

Processor : Ryzen 5 2500U 4-core processor

Graphics : Vega 8 integrated graphics

RAM : 8 GB

Screen Type :1080p 15.6" display

Comments: This laptop comes with an SSD which really makes budget laptops feel less like a burden when you are using it. Having lots of RAM comes in handy as well when multitasking. Build wise its decent for the price (can't expect the best of the best at this pricepoint)

If your brother can spend $410 + taxes, then he can buy the following Lenovo laptops with a Ryzen 5 2500u APU and integrated Vega 8 graphics core.

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=ryzen+5+3500u&pd_rd_i=B07HGTFTZB&pd_rd_r=475da73a-1320-4017-b198-f91e2c884604&pd_rd_w=XGJWD&pd_rd_wg=mHc9i&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=KTR8VYZYSJBF1BT1MCX4&qid=1563387365&s=electronics

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The Vega 8 is a pretty powerful integrated graphics core... almost equal to a 2015 nVidia 940m. The nVidia 940m is by no means powerful, but getting about the level of performance from integrated graphics is impressive.

Two things to be aware of:

1. The laptop only has a 128GB SSD. A SSD is a lot faster than a hard drive. Boot time will be about 20 seconds as opposed to around 75 - 90 seconds with a hard drive. However, 128GB is not a lot of storage. You can always install a 2.5" hard drive or 2.5" SSD later.
   
2. It does not have a backlit keyboard.

Close to budget, I think the option that is most viable is the Lenovo IdeaPad 330S since it has the best gaming performance in the price range (though it is still quite limited.) You'll benefit from the integrated Vega 8 graphics over Intel integrated graphics.

If you have the extra 10$ and amazon prime, I'd recommend this laptop.

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=laptop+ryzen+5&qid=1564201533&s=gateway&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB

I think this Lenovo might have a place in the 250-400 section, found it on noteb and it seems like it stacks up with the Vivobook and IdeaPad.

(or if it doesn't tell me so I don't buy it)

Possibly - I don't think either are great value to be honest, it's probably cheaper to pick 8GB and upgrade the RAM yourself. You can get similar specs for much cheaper:

https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Swift-Ryzen-Windows-SF315-41-R8PP/dp/B078BC1YL2

https://www.amazon.com/Acer-i5-8265U-Keyboard-Fingerprint-A515-54-51DJ/dp/B07RF2123Z

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB

If you really want a 2 in 1 I'd suggest the Lenovo Flex 14 it won't have the best build quality (nothing will in this price range) but the specs are reasonably good, it is a 2 in 1, and it's reasonably light weight and with a good battery life. Games like Dead By Daylight are technically playable but only get around 45 FPS on lowest possible settings. Less graphic demanding games will play just fine.

For something a bit cheaper, I'd suggest the Lenovo 330S for just over $400. It's specs are pretty similar to the Flex but with slightly less storage and a bit larger 15.6" display. The build quality will again be pretty mediocre and it'll have a fairly average (~5 hour) battery life.

If you'd like to compare more options check out my Recommendation Guide. Also feel to comment any questions you have and best of luck!

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB

I just go this laptop and so far it's great, at least once I got the latest AMD drivers. I believe it is very good value for money and that processor/gpu is surprisingly strong. Probably the main drawback is the SSD size, 128 can be a little small but at this price point it's hard to find anything else.

I wouldn't worry too much about refurbished or the cheaper laptops. I've had a good amount of experience with both and it's usually they either work great for a long time or they immediately have something wrong with them in white case you return it. I think with the budget stuff you just have a greater chance of getting a dud but even then it's pretty rare. It always helps to take care of your stuff also, being hard on things will make the budget items break sooner but that doesn't mean they are poor build to begin with.

Nope dual channel.

It was answered under the Amazon questions.

Lenovo - 330S-15ARR 15.6" Laptop - AMD Ryzen 5 - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Platinum Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iHw8CbSXDWP99

Alrighty, if you can't find what you're looking for there's some very decent new laptops under that price with those specs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9wVBDb7Z4NZ0S

Here’s what I would recommend, it used Vega 8 graphics and a quad core from ryzen, has 8gb or ram but is also upgradable, also get an ssd.
It’s one of the best in its price range for gaming and also an everyday use laptop for work and what not.

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=laptopunderbudget-20&linkId=a8946a1c7c9ecca9ba42e8aabe63f491&language=en_US&th=1&psc=1

If you can't stretch your budget, your best bet would be a laptop with a Ryzen 5 processor and integrated Vega 8 graphics, like this one: Lenovo 330S. It won't do as well as an MX150, but will be far better than Intel integrated graphics.

New Amd Ryzen LAptop from Lenovo is Good Choice

Lenovo - 330S-15ARR 15.6" Laptop - AMD Ryzen 5 - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Platinum Gray

Processor Model AMD 2nd Generation Ryzen 5
8GB system memory for advanced multitasking
128GB solid state drive (SSD)
15.6" Full HD display The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB

Price: $648.88 + $32.31 Delivery

Maybe someone in your friend circle has a membership. I don't think that is a rebate, it isn't mentioned anywhere.

Another choice: https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=2500u+laptop&qid=1566387289&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Bit inferior CPU & smaller SSD. Still has a 2.5" drive bay.

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=laptopunderbudget-20&linkId=a8946a1c7c9ecca9ba42e8aabe63f491&language=en_US

I would recommend you this laptop.

It is a very good pc for that price. It has everything you need for a word/excel machine and it should perform pretty good in those tasks.

Decent option with vega 8 graphics and an SSD

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB

I would get the ryzen one. That thing would be a power hog unless you disable the dedicated graphics. Which would then leave you with the integrated one. Trust me, you do not want to have to deal with intel integrated graphics. They have a much cheaper amd version with the ryzen 5 2500u. May be cheaper where you are.

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-330S-15ARR-Laptop-Memory-Platinum/dp/B07HGTFTZB