Are you in the market for a reliable laptop that won’t dent your wallet? Look no further. With the constant evolution of technology, it’s now possible to find high-quality laptops at affordable prices. In this article, we’ll explore the best laptops that offer a perfect blend of performance, features, and affordability.
What Makes a Good and Cheap Laptop?
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s define what makes a good and cheap laptop. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Processor: A decent processor is essential for smooth performance. Look for laptops with at least a dual-core processor from Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 series.
- RAM and Storage: 4GB of RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) are the minimum requirements for a laptop to run efficiently.
- Display: A Full HD (1080p) display is a must for a good viewing experience.
- Battery Life: A laptop with a battery life of at least 6 hours is recommended.
- Ports and Connectivity: Ensure the laptop has enough ports to connect your peripherals and offers reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
Top Laptops Under $300
If you’re on a tight budget, here are some excellent laptops under $300:
Acer Aspire 3
- Price: Around $250
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
- RAM and Storage: 6GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Full HD
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
The Acer Aspire 3 is a great option for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and word processing. It’s lightweight, has a comfortable keyboard, and offers decent performance.
Lenovo IdeaPad 330S
- Price: Around $280
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3250U
- RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Full HD
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330S is another excellent choice in this price range. It boasts a sleek design, impressive battery life, and a responsive touchscreen display.
Top Laptops Under $500
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, here are some fantastic laptops under $500:
HP Envy x360
- Price: Around $450
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
- RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
The HP Envy x360 is a versatile laptop that offers a 360-degree hinge, allowing you to use it in tablet mode. It’s powered by a robust AMD Ryzen 5 processor and has a long-lasting battery.
Dell Inspiron 15 5000
- Price: Around $480
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 is a well-rounded laptop that offers a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, ample storage, and a comfortable keyboard.
Top Laptops Under $800
If you’re looking for a more premium experience, here are some excellent laptops under $800:
Asus Vivobook X512FA
- Price: Around $600
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
The Asus Vivobook X512FA is a feature-packed laptop that offers a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and a USB-C port.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
- Price: Around $700
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a sleek and powerful laptop that offers a stunning PixelSense display, comfortable keyboard, and excellent battery life.
Chromebooks: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, consider a Chromebook. These laptops run on Google’s Chrome OS and are designed for basic tasks like browsing, emailing, and word processing.
Acer Chromebook 715
- Price: Around $400
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U
- RAM and Storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
The Acer Chromebook 715 is a great option for those who want a large display and a comfortable keyboard.
Lenovo Chromebook C340
- Price: Around $300
- Processor: MediaTek MT8183
- RAM and Storage: 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC
- Display: 11.6-inch HD touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
The Lenovo Chromebook C340 is a budget-friendly option that offers a compact design, long battery life, and a responsive touchscreen display.
Conclusion
Finding a good and cheap laptop can be a daunting task, but with this guide, you’re well on your way to making an informed decision. Remember to consider your needs, budget, and the key factors mentioned earlier. Whether you opt for a Windows laptop or a Chromebook, there are plenty of excellent options available in the market. Happy shopping!
What are the key factors to consider when buying a budget laptop?
When buying a budget laptop, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, you need to think about your needs and what you will be using the laptop for. If you just need a laptop for basic tasks such as browsing the internet, checking email, and word processing, then a budget laptop with a lower specification processor and less memory may be sufficient. However, if you need a laptop for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, then you will need to look for a laptop with a more powerful processor and more memory.
Another important factor to consider is the operating system. You can choose between Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, each with its own pros and cons. Windows laptops offer more software compatibility, but can be more expensive. macOS laptops are generally more secure, but can be very expensive. Chrome OS laptops are great for basic tasks and are often very affordable, but may not be suitable for more demanding tasks.
What is the best processor for a budget laptop?
The best processor for a budget laptop depends on your needs and what you will be using the laptop for. For basic tasks such as browsing the internet and word processing, a dual-core processor from Intel Core i3 or i5 series or AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 series may be sufficient. However, if you need a laptop for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, then you will need to look for a laptop with a more powerful processor such as Intel Core i7 or i9 series or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 series.
It’s also worth considering the generation of the processor. Newer generations of processors offer better performance and power efficiency, so it’s worth looking for a laptop with a newer generation processor. Additionally, you should also check the number of threads and the clock speed of the processor, as these can also impact performance.
How much RAM and storage do I need for a budget laptop?
The amount of RAM and storage you need for a budget laptop depends on your needs and what you will be using the laptop for. For basic tasks such as browsing the internet and word processing, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage may be sufficient. However, if you need a laptop for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, then you will need to look for a laptop with more RAM and storage.
A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for most users, and 16GB or more is recommended for heavy users. For storage, a minimum of 256GB is recommended, but 512GB or more is recommended if you need to store a lot of files. It’s also worth considering the type of storage, with solid-state drives (SSDs) offering faster performance and better reliability than hard disk drives (HDDs).
What is the best display size for a budget laptop?
The best display size for a budget laptop depends on your needs and what you will be using the laptop for. If you need a laptop for basic tasks such as browsing the internet and word processing, then a smaller display size such as 11 or 13 inches may be sufficient. However, if you need a laptop for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, then you may prefer a larger display size such as 15 or 17 inches.
It’s also worth considering the resolution of the display. A full HD (1080p) display is recommended for most users, but a 4K display may be worth considering if you need a laptop for tasks such as video editing or gaming. Additionally, you should also check the brightness and color accuracy of the display, as these can also impact your viewing experience.
Can I play games on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can play games on a budget laptop, but the type of games you can play will depend on the specifications of the laptop. If you need a laptop for basic games such as casual games or older games, then a budget laptop with a lower specification processor and less memory may be sufficient. However, if you need a laptop for more demanding games such as modern games or games with high graphics requirements, then you will need to look for a laptop with a more powerful processor and more memory.
It’s also worth considering the graphics card of the laptop. A dedicated graphics card is recommended for gaming, but integrated graphics may be sufficient for basic games. Additionally, you should also check the cooling system of the laptop, as this can also impact performance during gaming.
What are the best brands for budget laptops?
There are several great brands for budget laptops, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. These brands offer a range of budget laptops with different specifications and features, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. Acer and Asus are known for their affordable gaming laptops, while Dell and HP offer a range of budget laptops with different specifications and features. Lenovo is known for its ThinkPad laptops, which are popular among business users.
When choosing a brand, it’s worth considering the warranty and support offered by the manufacturer. Look for brands that offer a good warranty and support, as this can give you peace of mind and help you if you encounter any issues with your laptop. Additionally, you should also read reviews and check the ratings of the laptop to ensure that it is reliable and performs well.
How long does a budget laptop typically last?
A budget laptop can typically last for around 2-5 years, depending on how well you maintain it and how heavily you use it. If you use your laptop for basic tasks such as browsing the internet and word processing, then it may last longer. However, if you use your laptop for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, then it may not last as long.
To extend the life of your budget laptop, it’s worth taking good care of it. This includes keeping it clean, updating the software regularly, and avoiding overheating. Additionally, you should also consider upgrading the RAM and storage of your laptop if possible, as this can help to improve performance and extend its lifespan.