Which PC for £500

for 500 i'd get a second hand iBook, if you're dead keen in windows you can install it, otherwise perhaps give os x a go?

(let's not make this a mac vs pc thread now. my recomendation is based on reliability. I think macs are far more reliable than pc's, even if they run windows)

apple laptops are woefully unreliable. I'd not recommend one.
Besides for £500 desktops provide much more power for the money.