[quote name='prmononoke']I'm having a ridiculously difficult time finding any information about what constitutes a good laptop, and how much I should end up paying, and what I should get for my money.
I don't want to spend more than $600.
Anyone have any recommendations for a sub-$600 laptop?[/quote]
If you can find a Toshiba Satellite that meets your needs for under $600, it's a good place to start.
Mine needs some RAM, but I paid $500 shipped for it new.