Do you think the only way you can get a quality laptop is by spending well over $1,000? You’ll be happy to learn that those days are long gone. Today, you can find powerful laptops at a much lower cost!
Finding a powerful budget laptop has never been easier. Nearly every PC brand offers affordable laptops to fit even the tightest of budgets. You can opt for an ultralight notebook or a hybrid laptop-tablet model.
As technology evolves, high-end tech starts to trickle down to lower models. Many budget-friendly laptops are carrying features common in high-end laptops. This includes powerful processors and modern ports and features.
Are you looking for a quality laptop on a budget? Here’s what you need to know about searching for a budget laptop.
What to Look For In a Budget Laptop
When looking at budget laptops, you should note that some brands will offer you more bang for your buck. You’ll need to consider items such as the processor, operating system, and storage space. These aspects of the laptop should help guide your choice.
Operating System
The two major operating system options available are Windows and Chrome OS. Both are budget-friendly but offer a range of different advantages and disadvantages.
Windows OS
Most budget-friendly laptops are running Windows 10. This is a powerful operating system that offers you traditional desktop apps and Windows Store Apps. You download and enjoy the Google Chrome browser along with its variety of extensions.
Smaller cheaper laptops such as the Windows Surface and Surface Go laptops will run Windows 10S, a smaller operating system. With this OS, you’ll only be able to use apps from the Microsoft App Store.
Before you choose an affordable Windows OS laptop, make a list of the apps and programs you’ll need. Check Microsoft’s App Store to see if there’s an alternative or equivalent app available.
Chrome OS
Chromebooks are the most affordable budget laptop you can find. Chromebooks run Google Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system that doesn’t require high-end parts to function. This helps keep the overall cost of the laptop down.
Choosing a Chromebook will limit you to the Google Chrome browser and Google’s selections of apps found on the Chrome Web App Store. Most of these apps are cloud-based with only a few offline apps available. An advantage to Chrome OS is it now supports Android apps designed for tablets and phones.
If your computer needs, hobbies, and work don’t require a heavy processor, a Chrome OS is a great choice. If you need a more robust processor that gives you the option to install desktop apps and access a publishing suite, Windows 10 will be your best option.
Processor
The processor, also known as a CPU (central processing unit) is the very heart of every computer. It’s the piece responsible for running the operating system, multiple programs, and other applications.
You want to choose a powerful processor that can handle your workload and needs. Fortunately, most budget laptops offer a variety of different processors.
The most common processors you’ll find in budget laptops are Intel Celeron, Intel Core i3, and Intel Pentium, processors. AMD also makes a few budget-friendly processors such as their A6 and A9 series and the Ryzen 3 series.
The Intel Celeron processors are the lightest while the Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 series processors offer the most power and speed for low and mid-range processors.
A lighter slower processor doesn’t mean it won’t fit your needs. The lower-end processors will easily hold up to web browsing, emailing, and many web and cloud-based apps. The Intel Celeron series offers several different models with different performance abilities.
Storage and Memory
Budget laptops start with about 2GB to 4GB of RAM storage with some higher-end budget laptops offering 8GB. More memory often means the computer will be faster more powerful when powering multiple applications. If you’ll be using multiple applications simultaneously, opt for a laptop with at least 4GB of memory.
Look for laptops that allow the user to upgrade their memory space. You can start with a more affordable laptop with less memory and upgrade if needed.
Storage is another item you’ll need to consider for your laptop. There are four main types of storage:
- eMMC (embedded multimedia card) is a cost-effective flash memory storage common in Chromebooks varying from 32GB to 128GB
- HDD (hard drive disc) is a traditional spinning disc that’s a little slower but can hold over 1TB of storage
- SSHD (hybrid solid-state hard drive) offers performance and storage space but isn’t commonly found in budget laptops
- SSD (solid-state drive) is high performing but only go up to 128GB in most budget laptops
The type of storage you choose will influence your laptop’s performance and what you can store/download onto your computer. One of the fastest budget laptops with SSD storage is Lenovo’s IdeaPad S145-15. You can learn more at www.lenovo.com.
The Display
You can find powerful budget laptops in a variety of display sizes and screen resolutions.
You should base the display size and screen resolution on the type of work you’ll be completing on your laptop. Light work such as web surfing and emailing works well on a smaller low-res screen. Those doing light photo work and streaming video may prefer a larger high-res screen.
The top budget laptops offer two main screen resolutions, 1366 x 768px and 1920 x 1080px. Higher-resolution laptops will have a crisper image.
The display size varies but the most common budget laptops come in the following sizes:
- 10”
- 11.6”
- 12.5”
- 13.3”
- 14”
- 15.6”
For larger displays about 13 inches or larger, the recommended resolution is 1920 x 1080px. You’ll enjoy a sharper image as there will be more pixels per square inch.
Then there’s the question of the touchscreen. Most touchscreen budget laptops are hybrids giving you the flexibility to use them as a conventional laptop or a tablet. Lenovo and Asus have hybrid laptops complete with a 360-degree rotating keyboard hinge and touchscreen display.
Interface
The interface of the laptop refers to the availability of ports for connectivity. Most budget laptops come with Type A USB 2.0 and 3.1 ports and many with both USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports. The latest USB-C port is rare but you can find it on most higher-end budget laptops.
Many budget laptops come with an HDMI or mini HDMI port, audio jack, and SD or micro SD card port. Nearly all budget laptops have wireless connectivity options including Dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1.
Battery Life
The best budget laptops offer long-lasting battery life due to their highly efficient processors. The average battery life is around 7 to 12 hours, with some higher-end budget laptops averaging over 15 hours! Most users find this battery life sufficient to meet their needs.
Some lower-end budget laptops only offer 4 to 6 hours of battery life. Avoid these options and stick to laptops with at least 10 hours of battery life between charges.
As your battery ages, its life will shorten. A 10-hour battery will average closer to 7 to 8 hours with moderate use. It’s rare for users to enjoy the full battery life described by the manufacturer.
Top Budget Laptops
Knowing what to look for in a quality budget laptop will help you pick the right laptop best suited for your needs. Any laptop, including the budget options, is an investment. Here’s a closer look at some of the best budget laptops worth checking out.
Chromebooks
Many brands offer lightweight quality Chromebooks, including full-sized, ultraportable, and detachable 2-in-1 options. These include:
- Lenovo Duet, detachable 2-in-1 hybrid laptop for around $250
- Acer Chromebook 714 with Intel Core i3 for around $630
- Lenovo Idea Pad Flex 3, convertible hybrid laptop for under $400
- Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5, fast and lightweight for around $400
The benefits of Chromebooks include a variety of price points to fit any budget, fast processing, and better build quality. They don’t require antivirus software and rarely come with any unnecessary bloatware.
Windows Laptops
For under $500, you can snag a reliable laptop with a powerful processor and the benefit of a Windows OS. Windows laptops worth checking out include:
- Acer Aspire 5 with Intel Core i3 for under $500
- Asus VivoBook 15 with a fast performance but with a mediocre display for under $500
- Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 514 with AMD Ryzen 5 for under $750
- Acer Nitro 5 for gaming for under $750
- Dell Inspiron 17 3000 with Intel Core i5 for under $800
- Acer Swift 3 is ultraportable with Intel core i7 for $750
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Go for students for under $700
These are only a few of the top budget laptops available today. There are many more quality brands such as the iPad with a detachable keyboard and HP laptops that may better serve your needs.
Which Budget Laptop Should You Buy?
The best budget laptop for you is the one that fits your needs and makes completing tasks easy and enjoyable. Many people prefer the lightweight and performance of a Chromebook while others need the flexibility of a hybrid. Whatever your needs may be, there’s a budget laptop for you.
Interested in learning more great tech tips to improve your life and workflow? Check out our latest Technology and Electronics articles to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and trends.
Power at a Low Price: Searching For A Budget Laptop
Do you think the only way you can get a quality laptop is by spending well over $1,000? You’ll be happy to learn that those days are long gone. Today, you can find powerful laptops at a much lower cost!
Finding a powerful budget laptop has never been easier. Nearly every PC brand offers affordable laptops to fit even the tightest of budgets. You can opt for an ultralight notebook or a hybrid laptop-tablet model.
As technology evolves, high-end tech starts to trickle down to lower models. Many budget-friendly laptops are carrying features common in high-end laptops. This includes powerful processors and modern ports and features.
Are you looking for a quality laptop on a budget? Here’s what you need to know about searching for a budget laptop.
What to Look For In a Budget Laptop
When looking at budget laptops, you should note that some brands will offer you more bang for your buck. You’ll need to consider items such as the processor, operating system, and storage space. These aspects of the laptop should help guide your choice.
Operating System
The two major operating system options available are Windows and Chrome OS. Both are budget-friendly but offer a range of different advantages and disadvantages.
Windows OS
Most budget-friendly laptops are running Windows 10. This is a powerful operating system that offers you traditional desktop apps and Windows Store Apps. You download and enjoy the Google Chrome browser along with its variety of extensions.
Smaller cheaper laptops such as the Windows Surface and Surface Go laptops will run Windows 10S, a smaller operating system. With this OS, you’ll only be able to use apps from the Microsoft App Store.
Before you choose an affordable Windows OS laptop, make a list of the apps and programs you’ll need. Check Microsoft’s App Store to see if there’s an alternative or equivalent app available.
Chrome OS
Chromebooks are the most affordable budget laptop you can find. Chromebooks run Google Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system that doesn’t require high-end parts to function. This helps keep the overall cost of the laptop down.
Choosing a Chromebook will limit you to the Google Chrome browser and Google’s selections of apps found on the Chrome Web App Store. Most of these apps are cloud-based with only a few offline apps available. An advantage to Chrome OS is it now supports Android apps designed for tablets and phones.
If your computer needs, hobbies, and work don’t require a heavy processor, a Chrome OS is a great choice. If you need a more robust processor that gives you the option to install desktop apps and access a publishing suite, Windows 10 will be your best option.
Processor
The processor, also known as a CPU (central processing unit) is the very heart of every computer. It’s the piece responsible for running the operating system, multiple programs, and other applications.
You want to choose a powerful processor that can handle your workload and needs. Fortunately, most budget laptops offer a variety of different processors.
The most common processors you’ll find in budget laptops are Intel Celeron, Intel Core i3, and Intel Pentium, processors. AMD also makes a few budget-friendly processors such as their A6 and A9 series and the Ryzen 3 series.
The Intel Celeron processors are the lightest while the Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 series processors offer the most power and speed for low and mid-range processors.
A lighter slower processor doesn’t mean it won’t fit your needs. The lower-end processors will easily hold up to web browsing, emailing, and many web and cloud-based apps. The Intel Celeron series offers several different models with different performance abilities.
Storage and Memory
Budget laptops start with about 2GB to 4GB of RAM storage with some higher-end budget laptops offering 8GB. More memory often means the computer will be faster more powerful when powering multiple applications. If you’ll be using multiple applications simultaneously, opt for a laptop with at least 4GB of memory.
Look for laptops that allow the user to upgrade their memory space. You can start with a more affordable laptop with less memory and upgrade if needed.
Storage is another item you’ll need to consider for your laptop. There are four main types of storage:
- eMMC (embedded multimedia card) is a cost-effective flash memory storage common in Chromebooks varying from 32GB to 128GB
- HDD (hard drive disc) is a traditional spinning disc that’s a little slower but can hold over 1TB of storage
- SSHD (hybrid solid-state hard drive) offers performance and storage space but isn’t commonly found in budget laptops
- SSD (solid-state drive) is high performing but only go up to 128GB in most budget laptops
The type of storage you choose will influence your laptop’s performance and what you can store/download onto your computer. One of the fastest budget laptops with SSD storage is Lenovo’s IdeaPad S145-15. You can learn more at www.lenovo.com.
The Display
You can find powerful budget laptops in a variety of display sizes and screen resolutions.
You should base the display size and screen resolution on the type of work you’ll be completing on your laptop. Light work such as web surfing and emailing works well on a smaller low-res screen. Those doing light photo work and streaming video may prefer a larger high-res screen.
The top budget laptops offer two main screen resolutions, 1366 x 768px and 1920 x 1080px. Higher-resolution laptops will have a crisper image.
The display size varies but the most common budget laptops come in the following sizes:
- 10”
- 11.6”
- 12.5”
- 13.3”
- 14”
- 15.6”
For larger displays about 13 inches or larger, the recommended resolution is 1920 x 1080px. You’ll enjoy a sharper image as there will be more pixels per square inch.
Then there’s the question of the touchscreen. Most touchscreen budget laptops are hybrids giving you the flexibility to use them as a conventional laptop or a tablet. Lenovo and Asus have hybrid laptops complete with a 360-degree rotating keyboard hinge and touchscreen display.
Interface
The interface of the laptop refers to the availability of ports for connectivity. Most budget laptops come with Type A USB 2.0 and 3.1 ports and many with both USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports. The latest USB-C port is rare but you can find it on most higher-end budget laptops.
Many budget laptops come with an HDMI or mini HDMI port, audio jack, and SD or micro SD card port. Nearly all budget laptops have wireless connectivity options including Dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1.
Battery Life
The best budget laptops offer long-lasting battery life due to their highly efficient processors. The average battery life is around 7 to 12 hours, with some higher-end budget laptops averaging over 15 hours! Most users find this battery life sufficient to meet their needs.
Some lower-end budget laptops only offer 4 to 6 hours of battery life. Avoid these options and stick to laptops with at least 10 hours of battery life between charges.
As your battery ages, its life will shorten. A 10-hour battery will average closer to 7 to 8 hours with moderate use. It’s rare for users to enjoy the full battery life described by the manufacturer.
Top Budget Laptops
Knowing what to look for in a quality budget laptop will help you pick the right laptop best suited for your needs. Any laptop, including the budget options, is an investment. Here’s a closer look at some of the best budget laptops worth checking out.
Chromebooks
Many brands offer lightweight quality Chromebooks, including full-sized, ultraportable, and detachable 2-in-1 options. These include:
- Lenovo Duet, detachable 2-in-1 hybrid laptop for around $250
- Acer Chromebook 714 with Intel Core i3 for around $630
- Lenovo Idea Pad Flex 3, convertible hybrid laptop for under $400
- Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5, fast and lightweight for around $400
The benefits of Chromebooks include a variety of price points to fit any budget, fast processing, and better build quality. They don’t require antivirus software and rarely come with any unnecessary bloatware.
Windows Laptops
For under $500, you can snag a reliable laptop with a powerful processor and the benefit of a Windows OS. Windows laptops worth checking out include:
- Acer Aspire 5 with Intel Core i3 for under $500
- Asus VivoBook 15 with a fast performance but with a mediocre display for under $500
- Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 514 with AMD Ryzen 5 for under $750
- Acer Nitro 5 for gaming for under $750
- Dell Inspiron 17 3000 with Intel Core i5 for under $800
- Acer Swift 3 is ultraportable with Intel core i7 for $750
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Go for students for under $700
These are only a few of the top budget laptops available today. There are many more quality brands such as the iPad with a detachable keyboard and HP laptops that may better serve your needs.
Which Budget Laptop Should You Buy?
The best budget laptop for you is the one that fits your needs and makes completing tasks easy and enjoyable. Many people prefer the lightweight and performance of a Chromebook while others need the flexibility of a hybrid. Whatever your needs may be, there’s a budget laptop for you.
Interested in learning more great tech tips to improve your life and workflow? Check out our latest Technology and Electronics articles to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and trends.
