Win7 laptop

[Max]

Suggestions please for a "tried and true" Windows 7 laptop need for an upcoming birthday present. The budget is $500 - $700. The intended use is general apps, web, email etc. ---no intense gaming demands. 15"-17" screen, under 8 lbs or so, reliable performance that will last 4-5 years.

I'll be checking specs with Newegg...just thought you folks might have a solid candidate.

Thanks

[TequilaChaser]

I myself have only ever used  custom ordered DELL laptops and Sony VAIO  with ordered memory/vidcard/OS/DVDRW   laptops when I had to use them , Max

I suggested my Daughter order her a Sony VAIO  year before last , model# VPCF13UFX/B  and upgraded the memory from 4 Gig to 8 Gig with win 7 Home Premium 64bit

The custom ordered dells, always seemed to give me what I needed when working........ but this last Sony VAIO , I had my Daughter get seems to do a great job...... ( only room for 1 HD though, least I think it has room for only one )

I prefer laptops that allow for memory upgrade, videocard upgrade, possible M-CPU upgrade, ability to add an extra internal HD or SSD, etc....

hope this helps, Sir

Cheers

TC ( Johnny )