What is Reddit's opinion of ASUS X200LA-DH31T Laptop (Windows 8, Intel Core i3-4010U (1.7GHz) Processor, 11 inches Display, SSD: 500 GB, RAM: 4 GB DDR3) Black [OLD VERSION]?

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My rough rule of thumb is always max out cpu and gpu within the budge I'm aiming. Other laptop components, such as ram and HDD are easily upgradable (and before you purchase a laptop, make sure they are indeed upgradable! Apple scums now solder their ram and HDD to logic board, which essentially disables any future upgrades). So based on your preferred requirements and applying my own criteria, this doesn't look too bad (if you don't mind refurbished). Dedicated graphics card (2gb), i7 processor (though inferior to other i7), all that. Not sure if the build quality will be the same but my gf bought Asus laptop last year, and I was quite surprised by the build quality. Pretty durable and despite her clumsiness, the machine is still going strong. Ugh... now you are making me waste time browsing through laptops that I want to buy...

It has a touch screen, which is what you are going to find in this size range, but the best performance/quality for your budget is the ASUS X200LA.

It has a Haswell Core i3-4010U w/ Intel HD 4400 graphics, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, a 11.6" touch display, weighs 2.6lbs and gets over 5 hours of battery life.

It would do you well.

I'd suggest an ASUS X200LA.

It's small, light (2.6lbs), and has a 4th gen Haswell i3.

Might I suggest the Asus X200. It's ultra portable with a 11.6" touchscreen and a weight of 3lbs but still has an Intel i3 proc, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB HD and comes in way under your budget.

Alternatively you can get an Asus Zenbook UX32. It's pretty similar but has a little higher price tag, 13.3" screen, an SSD and a backlit keyboard.

I suggest Asus because they have always supported Linux, while you will have some issues finding support with other companies.