PC Tech Thread

Possibly very lazy, but... Laptop recommendations for general family use? Haven't bought a new computer in about 10 years and very behind with what processors I should be looking out for, how much RAM is standard/necessary etc etc.

Fairly small list of requirements:

1. Max usage case is light photo editing (and maybe point and click/strategy gaming..)
   
2. Open to refurb options, particularly for bang - buck ratio
   
3. Won't be lugging it around much, but 15 inch screen seems about right?
   
   

Anything I should be looking out for? Budget is around 500.