I am shopping for a Win 11 laptop.

[Ptah]

I hope to keep the cost below $300.
I mostly watch youtube, stream movies and occasionally edit videos with OpenShot Video editor.
What minimum system requirements should I look for?
Thanks for any suggestions.

[TexasTowelie]

1. While Microsoft requires a minimum of 4 GB RAM to operate,

I recommend getting a laptop with at least 8 GB RAM considering that you will be watching and editing videos. My previous experience with a HP laptop with only 4 GB RAM was at times frustrating if I had multiple tabs open in my browser. The OS would stall and I would have to go to the task manager to close down other applications or reboot the laptop.

If you are using the Cloud to store your files, then you most likely can get by with 256 GB hard drive, but if you are keeping the files on your hard drive it may be worth bumping up to a 512 GB hard drive. I suggest looking at your current videos to determine their size to make your decision.

You will also probably want a 17" screen rather than a 15" screen to watch the streaming videos.

You will also want to get a laptop with 2 USB ports rather than only one port since you will be connecting/disconnecting devices which is actual wear and tear on the laptop. With the second USB port you will still be able to purchase a USB hub and keep the machine operable in case one of the USB ports no longer works (that was the work-around when my brother's laptop for work had a dead USB port).

With those considerations in mind, you should be able to find a laptop in the $200 - $300 range on the Internet. I prefer to buy American when feasible which means either Dell or HP. I've been using a Lenovo desktop for over a year without any issues so if I was to recommend a foreign brand it would be my choice.

Good luck and let me know what you decide to purchase since I may be in the market to purchase a laptop in the future.

[hlthe2b]

3. I'm just going to add to make sure if streaming is your prime goal, that it does not run hot...

Even if you get a fan-driven laptop support, that may not be enough. I have gotten good years out of my last LENOVO but damn if it does not run hot. So, in the summertime, I have to use a small personal fan blowing on the keyboard along with the fan-assisted laptop holder on my lap.

Some might argue that if that has not "killed" the laptop it is probably not a real problem, but I can assure you it does decrease the lifespan--not to mention making it somewhat uncomfortable to use.

So, get some advice from reviews or a store employee (if they have one with any real knowledge) before you make your final selection.

[nonaa]

2. Here is a $300.00 example of what you can get for that amount.

This was $300 last week although it is $350 now, but if you shop for sales you can find a very decent W11 laptop for $300, get at least the 8 ram.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-15-6-inch-Laptop-Intel-Core-i5-1235U-8GB-RAM-256GB-SSD-Spruce-Blue/5464020316

[ItsjustMe]

4. Do a search on slick deals.

You will find several deals in your price range.

https://slickdeals.net/newsearch.php?q=laptop&searcharea=deals&searchin=first&isUserSearch=1&searchtype=normal