So I'm going away for college soon and I'm planning on buying a legit laptop (I'm using a chromebook). I would enjoy something more of a 2-in-one deal (touchscreen or tablet) if it wasn't so expensive. My ideal preference would be something light (if it's small it would be nice too), my toshiba chromebook is a little over 13". Since I'm going to college, I need a laptop- meaning no chromebooks. I want to be able to download programs and then some (steam, itunes,etc). I'm not worrying about the general installations of microsoft word or any document-based programs like that because thank god for google docs. Touchscreen and/or tablet transformation is a huge plus although with a 500 dollar limit, I doubt there would be anything decent(?).

I've been researching like crazy to find something adequate, and I tend to worry over small quirks of some of the products I've been looking at. I really want recommendations and simplified reviews (unless you're willing to describe some tech terms). My friend just bought a lenovo edge 2 for around $650-ish and she loves it. Any other options?

So far it looks like Lenovo will give you a better processor than something like Dell.

There really is a lot to choose from. Just figure out what specs you really want and find a PC in your range.

$500 is more than enough money for a decent laptop, it's wanting a 2 in 1 that will cost you. Though I assume you don't need anything too powerful anyhow.

Ask your colleges professors before buying a new laptop : it might just be a waste of money.

I'm in 2nd year of engineering, and my computer "official" use is no more than web/PDF browsing, word processing and doing sideshows with my own computer. And a bit of coding.

Indeed, your school is likely to already have public PCs with all the software you need. Furthermore, teachers might stress on your ability not to use machines to solve problems.

So, unless your teacher say something else :
-if you can use your chromebook offline, keep it.
-If not, try to install some good Linux distribution on it.
Or anyway try to install Linux on it, which except for one Ubuntu version is more privacy-friendly and flexible.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. As for the linux set-up, I've tried installing it multiple times and eventually got tired of reaching the last step, opening it up, and seeing that the setup is still the same and all my data has been erased... so my cb can't do anything offline. I'm pretty ok with instructions on DIY computer tricks with clear instructions, but for some reason I can't seem to do the linux setup.

As for the lenovo, I'm really looking at it, but I want to consider more options. Any other suggestions?

It depends what you want. Quad core processor? Nvidia graphics card? 32g of ram? 2TB hard drive?

Which specs are most important?

Here's a refurb that's the right price and should be more than you need.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834232809&ignorebbr=1

I'm personally don't really trust in Lenovo, since a few years ago they pre-installed a malware, Superfish, which was able to read and alter even the content transmitted through a secured connection.

The revenue of this allowed them to reduce the cost of their PCs.

Homeland security warning
CNN explained article

When they were caught, it sparked an outcry from the Computing community.
(And that was last year, not years ago)

You guys are the best, seriously. But again, I'm not knowledgeable about this tech stuff, so thanks for the heads up Hiroki (and FindMuck). I use to be a bug/virus magnet when I had a legit laptop, so I really needed to know that kind of thing. Do you have any personal recommendations?

I've been looking at some of the brand comparisons, and I've seen that Dell is not that bad from what I've read(?) Again, not so sure. If I could, I would get a mac but jfc those prices. I've seen that Dell is not far behind in comparison (cheaper too)? Bless you all.

Try the Visio CN15-A2. It's a pretty decent computer for what you're looking for. Had an older version of this back in 2011.

Best value
asus f555l-http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/asus-f555l
Best 2 in 1 value
Dell Inspiron 11 3000 - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/dell-inspiron-11-3000-2-in-1
if you want to spend a bit mor money
Dell Inspirion 15 5000 base - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/dell-inspiron-15-5000-2015

I would go for the last one but if you really want a 2 in 1 the 2nd one isn't bad although you'll be losing a lot of performance to the last one. And i would absolutely recommend the last one over the 1st one i mentioned cause by adding 125$ you will be getting something way more power!!!

Ugh, you guys are the best! I was actually looking at the Dell inspirion, but I wasn't sure which to get. Thanks to everyone who commented, you guys definitely helped :D

When choosing laptop, look out for the processor!
My old laptop with its intelCOREi5 a lot times slower than the new intelCOREi7 that my brother had. RAM can be bought separately so its not much of a big deal.

Next, look out for whether the battery can be separated or built in. If it is built-in, then see if there are any come along software that cuts the power at 80%.

Next, don't choose laptops with metal looking cover. When you use it for quite a while, the metal frames might leak some electricity and shock you... I got shock a lot of times :(

Next, look out for the hinge. Don't ever buy laptop with a full flat hinge like Samsung's laptop. They spoil very very easily and cannot be easily repair (They wanted to charge me for the entire HD screen because its built along in it)

If the laptop had installed Windows, it is possible to even check the battery life cycle using Command Prompt

powercfg /BATTERYREPORT

It shows you a full battery report in html format. You might never know that the battery is a second hand battery because salesman are great liars...