Okay -- the graphics on that probably will struggle. Looks like it has integrated graphics that come with a Sandy Bridge processor? I don't see where it says HD 3000 but I think that's what UMA indicates there.

What you need is probably one of three things:
(1) An AMD A-series processor, preferably Trinity (much weaker on the CPU front than Intel but with beefier graphics)
(2) Intel Ivy Bridge processor (integrated on these will play Skyrim, though not super awesomely -- Here's a video showing Skyrim playing on the HD 4000 graphics that comes with these processors. It plays well on Low but drops to 15-20 fps on Medium)
(3) A used/refurbished machine with a proper discrete card

Having to buy in person and not online limits things, especially on the refurbished front. So let's see about the first two...

These two laptops have an AMD A6-3400M in them. Here's a video showing approx how you can expect Skyrim to play.

Here's an AMD A8 with what I think is even better graphics than the above?

This one is under $500 and has a 3rd Generation i5 in it. That means you get the HD 4000 integrated graphics I mentioned earlier in #2.

I haven't checked for reviews on any of those specific models, so you'd need to do that (read about quality, if they run hot, etc.).

I didn't check anywhere but Best Buy, so you might find better deals and whatnot at some of the other places you mentioned.

Is this meant to be your friends only computer? Or does he have a Desktop? Because I find 15.6" to be too large, personally, for something I want to be mobile and a secondary computer. If it's your main computer though that's different, and the large screen can be nice.

Best bet though might be to see if his parents can be convinced to let him buy/order online somehow instead. That would open up a lot more possibilities. Seriously.

 

Layaway probably. They might not have the cash to buy it in one go.

Edit: That reminds me... if the reason they need to buy in person and use Layaway is because of a lack of funds, then I think Dell actually offers the option to pay in installments. I have never used it so I don't know if there's a catch, but it might allow him to order online from Dell and pay it off in monthly installments. ...Maybe other companies do that too, I just dunno.

 

Also ask here -- http://forum.notebookreview.com/what-notebook-should-i-buy/

But yes. Were I in your situation and the primary purpose of the laptop was going to be gaming, I'd try to get something used like what yak mentioned. That won't work with your current limitations on buying with layaway though -- I think the A8 might be your best bet there. Dunno though.

Alternatively I'd settle for gaming on Low settings and get something that's otherwise a solid laptop for school/work/whatever. This assumes he has a Desktop for more serious stuff though I suppose.

 

Yeah, I did a little more reading and it looks like that A8-4500m is a good deal at that price. Assuming the computer itself isn't a POS made of crappy materials, and you aren't able to buy online or find a better deal elsewhere, I'd tell your friend to go with that one out of the ones I linked.

 

If you're about Used stuff then you can buy from a proper Outlet that comes with a Warranty of some kind (even if only 30 days) instead of picking something up off of eBay or Craigslist. I think Newegg also has refurbs sometimes. It doesn't make it certain that you won't get a dud but it's a little better at least. There's often a Dell Outlet coupon floating around too (there was a 20% off one that expired today, for instance).

http://outlet.lenovo.com
http://www.dfsdirectsales.com/
http://www.dell.com/outlet

That said, if you're buying online you can probably find something new for your price as well. Or something at least as good as what you were going to get at Best Buy anyway.

I'm partial to Lenovo but their site seems to be crapping out on me. Normally I'd suggest a Thinkpad, because I love those, but since your friend is primarily concerned with gaming (and not school stuff, or work, or whatever) you might take a look at their U, Y, and Z series? I can't remember the costs or specs off the top of my head.

Thinkpad Edge E535 can be customized with the A4, A6, A8, or A10 AMD options. It starts at $499, but if you can find a coupon or wait for a bigger/better sale you might be able to upgrade it to the A8/A10 in your price range. Or find one on the Outlet. (Edge is the budget Thinkpad by the way, but they are still solid laptops from what I've heard)

There was a great deal on something at TigerDirect recently... where did it go... Ah, this was available online for a while (I think it's actually able to run crossfire between the built in GPU and the extra one?) for like $499, but now it's only available in stores.

At any rate. I'm personally fond of "Business Class" laptops, like the Thinkpad X, T, and W-series, the Dell Latitudes and Precisions, and (sort of) the HP Elitebooks. They aren't really designed with gaming in mind though (though they are capable of gaming - I gamed on my T61p for years with no complaints).

I've never had an Asus but they are pretty good from what I've heard. Yak mentioned the G73 series which was a popular gaming machine if I recall correctly. Not sure of the best place to acquire a used one of those though.

Samsung Series 3 has a 15.6" model with a Trinity A6, if you like those. But I think you can probably do better with your budget.

Yeah I guess... Here's some sites:

Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards
Laptop Video Cards - Benchmark List
CPU Benchmarks
Anandtech Bench (Mobile)

You're probably going to try and get your friend a Trinity based A8/A10 or else a used/refurbished Intel (2nd or 3rd Gen iCore) with a 1gb discrete card. The links about should help you do some comparisons and whatnot about the parts and stuff.

Best of luck, and let us know what you end up getting (and if he likes it).

Edit: I think signing up here will get you a better deal on a new Lenovo. If I remember right it's free and doesn't have any trickery or irritating things involved, so might be something to try.