Lenovo or Asus? Maybe Toshiba? Samsung?

[tesia16]

Hi there,
I am narrowing down my choices for a x-mas present from my Pops and need some help making up my mind. He is willing to spend around $350-$450, maybe $500. I know I can't get much, but I don't need too much at the time and plan on buying something nicer in 2-3 years.
Here are the specs I am looking for:
-15-15.6 inch
-Intel 3 gen processor (heard it was better then AMD's equal from multiple sources)
-4BG memory
-touchscreen
-Windows 8

Notice that my Lenovo option has a 4th gen processor. Sounds like a great deal, but I'm on the fence with Lenovo. Owned one about 5-7 years ago and it wasn't all that great. Crashed on me about 3 years into owning it and I invested a lot more in that particular computer. Should have lasted longer in my option. This was back when Lenovo was still part of IBM. I've heard they are putting out great stuff now and are a Chinese company now.... thoughts?
I'm open to other suggestions too.

Here is where I am at so far:

Lenovo® IdeaPad S510p Touch (59390911) Laptop Computer With 15.6" Touch-Screen Display & 4th Gen Intel® Core™ i3 Processor
from Office Max $449.99
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/268085/Lenovo-IdeaPad-S510p-Touch-59390911-Laptop/

Asus - 15" Touch-Screen Laptop - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive - Silver Aluminum
from Best Buy $399.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/15-touc...152619&skuId=2749027&st=asus laptop&cp=1&lp=9

Thank you for any input you can provide!
PS I had a 3rd option but it wasn't a touch screen, so I took it off the list

 

[voyagerfan99]

The Samsung is the best of the three you've selected. Here are some other recommendations:

Basic ASUS machine
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834231074

Don't be scared that this Latitude is refurbished. I highly recommend Dell's business grade machines. I had a Latitude E6500 I used for 4 years before I sold it and upgraded to an E6420. They're very reliable and VERY durable. This machine was probably $1500 brand new.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834300360

Lenovo T-Series thinkpads are also nice and durable
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313598

And so are HP Elitebooks. Much MUCH better quality than the consumer Pavilion crap HP puts out.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834257851

 

[tesia16]

Thanks

Appreciate the input!

 

[noahre86]

Lenovo has definitely stepped up their game and at that price point, it's hard to beat... Although what are you looking to do with this new laptop?

 

[tesia16]

Mostly steam videos, surf internet, taxes, basic office stuff, emails. Nothing too fancy. No huge games or anything like that.

 

[JSTAX]

I prefer dell or hp personally but I've heard some good things about lenovo.