What's the cheapest laptop that's actually usable in 2025?

Sub-$400 Windows laptops like the HP 15 with Ryzen 3 7320U handle web, email, streaming, and Office well, according to verified-purchase reviewers at Best Buy. The trade-offs are a low-resolution 1366×768 panel and limited storage — fine for a secondary or student machine, less so as a primary workhorse for years.