USAGE: Officially only basic stuff. Some Zoom meetings, browsing. listening to music.
If it has enough power, I may occasionally use it for programming when I don't have my work laptop with me. For that I would need to upgrade RAM
SIZE: 15.6"-17" strong preference for 17", but would take a smaller laptop if I got a much better deal.
BUILD QUALITY: Plastic is fine
WHERE CAN YOU SHOP? Online, shipping to NY. No deadline on arrival date, but preferably sooner rather than later.
What do you want to spend? Up to $600 before tax. I don't mind paying a bit extra to upgrade it myself, but the $600 is a hard limit on the cost of what I buy initially. (I am not buying it myself, so I cannot go over that limit.)
Other features
Battery life - great battery would be nice, but not required
Number pad - strongly preferred - would only forgo this for a great deal
Backlit keyboard - nice, but not required
Touch screen - not wanted
2-in-1 - not wanted