Buying a new laptop?

I'm thinking of buying a new Laptop and was hoping to get a little expert input on what to buy. I'll be starting college in September and will need the laptop for study. I'm not into heavy gaming or anything like that.

I'd like to keep the price below $500 when I'm finished paying for it and with all the specs out there I am baffled.

Any help would be appreciated.

I have a 4 1/2 year old HP desktop now and like the brand, but am open to any brands.

Thanks and Happy Holidays

 

Have you gone to http://www.tigerdirect.com/

They have many laptops for about $500 and with free shipping.

 

Don't expect to game with the latest and greatest on those machines though they will do what you need for school.