Back-to-school laptops for less than $850

For the power user

Try: Compaq Presario

With all these features, it’s tough to believe that after an instant rebate, this laptop is only $399. For that price your child gets a high-definition screen, a powerful graphics card for video game fans and built-in software that allows you to edit video and burn DVDs. The laptop also offers a digital media card reader if your child is a photographer or just has a lot of computer equipment.

Compaq Presario CQ60-410us Notebook PC, $399, shopping.hp.com