$250 laptops can be purchased but the majority of them are only useful for basic productivity work that doesn't require an internet connection. If you want to get online and surf the net safely with speed then you'll need to increase your budget to at least $299. Ebay and similar auctions are the only places I can think of where you could find 250 dollar laptop computers for sale. Keep in mind that $250 laptops are old, used, outdated machines that typically contain discontinued parts.
New desktop computers are available on the market starting at $199. Those desktops are more than suitable for surfing the internet with speed, checking and sending email, listening to and burning CDs, watching DVDs, and downloading or saving a reasonable amount of files. The lowest-priced laptops usually go for $399 although Asus does manufacture a 7 inch model that starts at $299(only has 2 GB hard drive space). If you want the lowest-priced computer possible plus a secure internet connection then my recommendation is to check out