As always it just depends on what you need it for. If you're looking for a cheap laptop for internet browsing, well virtually anything new even in the $350 range is likely going to make you happy.
HP has plenty of laptops in said range
Pavilion Laptops | HP® Official Store
I feel like right now HP has the best combination of price and performance. They remind me a bit of Dell when Dell was in their glory days (
think Stoner Steve). The main problem that myself and other people have with their computers is bloatware. Also I think like virtually every other computer manufacturer they have a call center in India depending on the time you use support. However I have never had to use them.
Heck I have a store bought HP from 2008 that I'm just running into the ground without mercy (virtually on 24/7) playing movies and/or music all day. It's only issue is the battery life is around 15 minutes if unplugged which would be fixed if I replaced the battery. My most current computer is an HP high performance laptop which I would grade as a B+ for gaming.
You can also apply to BillMeLater and hold off paying for 6 months or pay as you go before interest kicks in at the 6 month mark which reminds me, I need to finish off paying for my laptop..
My only questions at this point are if you have any additional plans and or requirements? Do you ever edit videos (video editing has a lot of potential to slow down your computer)? Do you want something thats easier to carry around or do you prefer something with a bigger screen? Blu-Ray movies?
Also have you used Windows 8? Virtually any new computer you buy will come equipped with it. Personally I think it's a terrible OS for PC's. Everytime the mouse "wanders" into the bottom left corner your computer goes to the metro aka the new start menu that takes up the entire screen which is really designed for tablets. Granted this is easily fixed by paying $3 for an app (I think theres also a couple free ones) that gives you back the traditional start button but just beware that there can bit of culture shock with Windows 8. Ironically part of the reason I bought a laptop around this time last year was because I knew Windows 8 was coming and I wanted to get one before Windows 8 became standard.
Anyway let me know about how you feel about windows 8 or if you have any additional requirements besides web browsing but I think if you're just looking for a simple point A to B computer you'll have a TON of options none of which will really be a bad fit.