My current computer is pretty decent. While It's a dell, it's not too bad for one.
* Screen Size 14 inches [1366 x 768]
* Weight 2.3kg
* Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium
* Processor Intel Core i5-480M 2.66GHz(with turbo boost up to 2.93GHz)
* Graphics Intel HD Graphics
* Storage 500GB
* Memory 4GB
* Other Features DVD drive,
* 15-month McAfee antivirus software,
* Microsoft Office Starter
http://elaptops.blogspot.com/2011/04/dell-inspiron-n4030-14-inch-laptop.htmlI remember this costing around 400 ish when I went to WalMart. Just thought I'd post something in specific rather than general open terms. Hope I helped!
basically yes, it runs FH or GMOD or MineCraft etc etc with a decent FPS. My sister managed to make Skyrim work at 30 ish frames, and WoW at 40-60.
Laptops have integrated sound, graphics, video, etc cards so I don't know if you can open it up and change it. for that kind of thing i recommend buying parts and putting it together, but that costs possibly more at 550 depending on what you want.