Started looking at cheap laptops to replace our ancient Toshiba.  It's primary use will be tuning the programmable ECU in my Miata, but I'd also like to be able to use it for web surfing and productivity.  In other words, not very demanding.  Been basically considering two paths:

1). Get something stupid cheap ($300-400), replace HDD with SSD if I get annoyed with startup times.

2). Get a midrange system ($550-700) that already has a SSD.  

Number 2 would also have more RAM and a better processor, but I know very little about laptop CPUs and their relative speeds.  Which route would you recommend, and any specific models?

If I was looking for a laptop for what you are doing I would look at the MS Surface 3 Pro. Not going to be a gaming box yet will do everything you need it to do with ease.

Cheap laptops are like cheap everything else.

Only problem: no rigid keyboard.  That would make it tough to enter new values for the VE/AFR/Spark tables in the car.

What are some good brands these days?  It's literally been a decade since I last bought a laptop.

ETA: This will be a secondary computer, have a nice desktop for most stuff.

Go with whatever is cheap/on-sale at walmart.

http://www.provantage.com/hp-h6l26ut~7HPP98H1.htm

Refurbished Thinkpad T-series:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9UW3N86308&cm_re=thinkpad_t430-_-34-319-451-_-Product

I like the looks of that!  I'd assume no Win10 upgrade though, right?

I haven't had any issues upgrading refurb license machines.

I've serviced a metric shit ton of those, they're like goddamn tanks.  I'd take a referb of those any day.

Thanks!  Ordered it today.