Best laptop for recording ( $500 max )

[Syndil]

For a laptops under 500, I recommend the Lenovo G570 43349KU Laptop. it features Intel Core i5 2450M + 4GB ram, there few laptops under 500 built-in i5 processor currently.

 

[Syndil]

But you just need a laptop temporarily replace your desktop for recording, I thinks to buy a 500 dollars laptop is a waste.
if I were you, I would buy DELL Inspiron iM101z-3980BK, you can Link Removed, i3 processor + 2GB ram, fully meet your needs, only $290.