[colored_box color=”blue”]BEST BUDGET LAPTOPS[/colored_box]
Someone once said that “dirt-cheap laptops are dirt cheap for a reason”, and while it may have been true a few years ago, the truth is that nowadays reasonably priced laptops are quite good. Technology is advancing at an incredible pace, and this means that mid-tier devices are now accessible for the middle class. In order to outclass each other, most laptop manufacturers apply aggressive price cutting, and we can only benefit from them. At the moment, large laptops with powerful processors and decent graphics are sold for 400-600 dollars. In other words, fewer compromises, better prices and beautiful notebooks are released once every few months. Nevertheless, don’t expect to purchase a last generation Haswell CPU for less than 600$, because you are most likely to purchase a third-generation (Ivy Bridge) i5 or i7 laptop, which is still more than enough for everyday usage.
Table of Contents:
- Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops
- Top 10 Best Budget Laptops
- Top 10 Best Business Laptops
- Top 10 Best High-End Laptops
- Top 10 Best Multimedia Laptops
Recommended Article: Best Smartphones of 2013
As far as features go, you should look for at least 4GB storage space, 320 GB harddrive space, USB 3.0 ports, 802.11g connectivity and HDMI ports. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a student or newbie entrepreneur, the following laptops will offer more than enough features for you to successfully tackle your daily tasks.
1. Lenovo G580
Overview:
While many people require powerful gaming or business rigs, others are simply looking for a device with which to quickly browse the web, socialize, send e-mails, watch movies, listen to music or write articles. If this is what you are also looking for, then the Lenovo G580 is the perfect choice. It boasts a speedy third-generation Intel Core i5 processor, and a decent Intel HD4000 graphic card. Nevertheless, it’s very big compared to other ultrabooks, but considering its friendly price, the size is understandable. The overall design, with the glossy finish looks pretty good, and the touchpad is comfortable to use.
System configuration: Windows 8 (64-bit); 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 3210M; 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,600MHz; 32MB (Dedicated) Intel HD 4000; 500GB Seagate 5,400rpm
The Good: good quality for a reasonable price, fast booting, full keyboard and optical drive, decent webcam and powerful speakers
The Bad: bulky and heavy, low battery life, no Bluetooth
Specs:
Processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-3210M
Memory: 4GB, 1,600MHz DDR3
Hard drive: 500GB 5,400rpm
Chipset: Intel HM77
Graphics Intel: HD4000
Operating system: Windows 8
Dimensions: (WD) 14.8 x 9.6 inches, Height 1.3 inches
Video: HDMI, VGA
Audio Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jack Stereo speakers,
Data 2 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, SD card reader
Networking Ethernet: 802.11n Wi-Fi Ethernet
Optical drive: DVD burner
Screen size (diagonal) 15.6 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter 5.7/6.0 pounds
Category Midsize
2. Acer Aspire V5-571-6891
Overview
The Acer Aspire V5-571-6891 may only be 500$ but it has made no compromise in the performance department. It is a fully functional desktop replacement laptop with a 15.6 inch display, HDMI, Wi-Fi and a decent core i3 processor. Unlike the Lenovo G580 it is thin and very light (under 5.10 pounds) which makes it excellent for traveling. The touchpad and keyboard are pretty comfortable, and the pad is actually multi-touch which means that you can quickly swipe between tabs.
As far as display quality goes, the 1366×768 resolution is enough for 720 HD videos. Sadly, it will not correctly display 1080p HD videos. The laptop is not speed daemon, but it switches effortlessly between tabs, works almost perfectly with Photoshop CS6 and performs multimedia tasks with ease. It is also PC Mag’s editor’s choice for budget laptops, so this must mean something.
The Good: great price, 6GB memory, full keyboard, decent processor, excellent sound
The Bad: only one 3.0 USB port, dongle for Ethernet and VGA
Quick Specs:
Processor: Intel 3rd Gen Core i3 i3-3217U / 1.8 GHz ( Dual-Core )
RAM installed: size 6.0 GB
Hard Drive: 500.0 GB – Serial ATA-300 – 5400.0 rpm
Operating System: Windows 8 64-bit Edition
Display Type: 15.6 inches
Max Resolution: 1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics Processor: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Optical Drive: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
Dimensions: 15.0×10.0 inches, 5.07 lb weight
3. Asus Transformer BookT100
Overview
You are probably asking what is a hybrid doing in our top budget laptops. To start with, the Asus Transformer BookT100 is more a laptop than a table, but it is also quite flexible. It’s not very great as a laptop, but its excellent as a transformer. Also, for around 350$ it offers great quality, especially if you are looking for long battery life, and full Windows 8 features. So it is not the best 10-inch laptop on the market, but because it doubles as tablet, it works very well. It is also extremely comfortable to carry around, so if you usually travel you might like it.
Windows 8.1 (32-bit); 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z3740; 2GB DDR3 SDRAM 800MHz; 32MB (dedicated) Intel HD Graphics; 64GB SanDisk SSD
The Good: It’s a complete steal, for aprox 350$, it runs full Windows 8.1, and the battery is very powerful
The Bad: cramped keyboard, display not so vibrant
Specs:
Price: 379$
Display: 10.1-inch, 1366×768, touch screen enabled
PC CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z3740
Memory: 2,948MB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz
Graphics: 32GB Intel HD Graphics
Storagel: 64GB SSD Hard drive
Optical Drive: no
Networking: 802.11b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0
Operating System: Windows 8, 32 bit
The Good: good quality for a reasonable price, fast booting, full keyboard and optical drive, decent webcam and powerful speakers
The Bad: bulky and heavy, low battery life, no Bluetooth
4. Samsung Series 3 Chromebook
Overview
Cheap, light, user-friendly, secure, good keyboard, this would be the five things to consider about the Samsung Series 3 Chromebook. If you have had any experience with the Chromebooks before, you probably know that this laptop is not like others. It does not operate with Windows, Linux or Mac. Instead, it works runs the Google Chrome web-browser and its apps. So if you think that you can complete all your daily tasks with Google Chrome, you might have found your cheapest ally.
It is actually more reasonably price than the iPad Mini. In order for it to work it absolutely requires Wi-Fi or some sort of internet connection. You can’t install Microsoft office or Adobe Photoshop on it, because that’s simply not what it was designed for. As far as design is concerned, it has a slim, and slick look and it is also quite small. Maybe some of you won’t consider it as a primary computer, but because the times are changing, the Chromebook can be considered a much needed breath of fresh air.
The Good: perfect for Gmail, Docs, Calendar. It is simple and secure, and quite an interesting compromise between the one-app-at-a-time mode of the iPad, and a traditional computer. It is also cheap, light, silent, well built and innovative.
The Bad: useless without internet, sporadic crashes, only suitable for web browsing, writing, socializing etc.
Specs:
Processor: ARM processor – specifically, the 1.7GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos 5 Dual.
Memory: 2GB, DDR3L
Display: 11.6”, LED HD, 1366×768, 200 nits brightness
Graphics: integrated
Storage: 16GB, eMMC
Optical: none
Model Number: XE303C12-A01US
Input: 74 key – keyboard, touch pad (scrop scope, flat type)
Physical Specification: 11.40″ x 8.21″ x 0.66″ ~ 0.69″
Main Chipset: Intel HM77
Security and Safety: TPM – yes
WirelessLan: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Battery: 2 cell/ Li-Po, 4080 mAH, 30 Watt Hours, 7 hours battery life
Other features: VGA- yes, HDMI – yes, USB – 1x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0, headphone and microphone, multi card slot 3-in-1, 1 Year Standard Parts and Labor Waranty
5. Dell Inspiron 17-3721
Overview
If you have a low budget, and you are trying to buy the best laptop that your money can buy, the Dell Inspiron 17-2731 laptop. While I am no fan of Dell, I have had the pleasure of working with this model, and it did not disappoint. For 450$ you will get 17.3-inch display with 1600×900 screen resolution, perfect for viewing movies or editing the occasional Facebook selfie. As far as connectors are concerned, it has HDMI, USB 3.0, 2.0 and Ethernet for wired connections.
The Intel Core i3-3227U processor from Intel, 4GB of memory and 500 GB, 5400 rpm hard-drive are more than enough for your daily tasks. Granted, it’s not the perfect choice if you have gaming in mind, but it will handle smaller, less detailed games.
The Good: great price, HDMI, Ethernet, optical drive, numeric keypad, textured lid and palm rest, large screen, removable battery
The Bad: no 1080p quality, no touch screen
Specs:
Type: General Purpose, Value, Desktop Replacement
Processor Speed: 1.9 GHz
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8
RAM: 4 GB
Weight: 5.9 lb
Screen Size: 17.3 inches
Screen Type: Widescreen
Native Resolution: 1600 x 900
Touchscreen: No
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Storage Capacity (as Tested): 500 GB, hDD, 5400 rpm
Networking Options: 802.11n
Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
Battery Type: 40 Whr (Watt hours)
Battery Rundown – Standard Battery: 3:41 hrs:min
6. Asus VivoBook S200
Overview:
A few years ago laptops were boring: they all looked the same, they had the same parts, and the same price. Everything changed when Windows 8 was released, and there is probably no better device to showcase it than the Asus VivoBook S200. As much as we like traditional 17.3 inch laptops, the VivoBook is very adorable. It has a 11.6 inch touchscreen which offers everything that you might want in a portable device, all for aprox. 500-600 dollars. Equipped with a powerful Intel Core i3-3217U CPU processor, and a powerful battery, it is the perfect choice for those who travel or want to browse the web. The overall design is amazing, the keyboard is comfortable, and the price is unbeatable.
Marketing Info: ASUS designers gave ASUS VivoBook a distinct look showcasing the flair and fun of Windows 8 while highlighting chic portability. Textured metal-treated surfaces, an ergonomic edge design, and exciting colors stand out, matching the dynamic nature of new high-mobility intuitive computing. Being ultra-light and extra-slim, ASUS VivoBook excels at making getting around easy!
The Good: amazing looking device, textured surface, responsive screen
The Bad: a bit heavy considering its size, decent battery life, but not outstanding
Specs:
Product Type: Notebook
Hard Drive: 500 GB
Touchscreen: yes
Standard Memory: 4 GB
Memory: DDR3-1600/PC3-12800
Screen: 1266 x 768, 11.6 inches
Graphics: Intel HD 3000
Communications: bluetooth and Wireless Lan
Additional Features; webcam, HDMI, green compliance RoHS, Ethernet
Processor: Intel i3-2365U
Chipset: HM76 Express
Graphic Memory Capacity: up to 384 MB
Wireless: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Physical specifications: 32x303x200 mm, 1.38 kg
Battery: 2-cell Li-Po
7. Sony Vaio Fit 14
Overview
The Sony Vaio Fit 14 laptop proves that budget laptops can still be awesome. Therefore, manufacturers have not forfeited performance or better-looking design for a smaller price. If visual aspects is important for you, you will definitely enjoy the Sony Vaio, thanks to its brushed-aluminium lid and diamond-cut Vaio logo. It features one of the best touchpad for windows 8, and also a HD resolution 1600×900 pixel screen. Another thing we appreciated is the fact that all the ports are on the left side, which makes it very comfortable to use, and the only thing on the right side is the optical drive.
Configuration: Windows 8 (64-bit); 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 3427; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,600MHz; 32MB (Dedicated) Intel HD 4000; 750GB HD + 8GB SSD Toshiba 5,400rpm hard drive
The Good: excellent laptop considering the price, perfect for general-purpose, handles day-to-day tasks well, looks great, responsive touch screen
The Bad: battery not removable, low-quality sound, battery life less than 5 hours
Specs:
Starting price: $649
Processor: 1.8GHz Intel i5-3337U
Memory: 8GB, 1,600MHz DDR3
Hard drive: 750GB+8GB Hybrid
Chipset: Intel HM77
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Operating system: Windows 8
Dimensions: (WD) 13.3×9.3 inches
Height: 0.8 inch
Video: HDMI 1.4, Intel WiDi ready
Audio: Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jack
Data: 1 USB 3.-, 1 USB 3.0+charge, SD card reader
Networking: Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
Optical Drive: DVD burner
Screen size (diagonal): 14 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter: 4.3 pounds / 4.75 pounds
Category: Midsize
8. HP Envy Sleekbook 6-1126sa
Overview
For only 350$ the HP Envy laptop is truly a catch. Granted, it may be a laptop of contradictions, because it looks like an expensive Ultrabook but it is actually a budget PC. Also, it promises top performance, but fails to deliver it. A thing we appreciated is the fact that you can actually watch a few movies before pluging it in, and also the fact that it only costs a few hundred dollars is surprising.
The main problem with the HP Envy Sleekbook 6-1126sa is that it simply doesn’t have the raw processor performance or the gaming prowess that it promises. Nevertheless, if you are looking for good audio and multimedia performance, or simply to accomplish mundane tasks, the HP Envy SleekBook might just be the notebook you were looking for.
The Good: great design, decent price, comfortable keyboard and strong battery
The Bad: insufficient APU, slow hard drive, poor gaming performance
Specs:
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Chipset Model: Intel HM77 Express
Display Screen Type: Active Matrix TFT Colour LCD
Ethernet Technology: Gigabit Ethernet
Total Number of USB Ports: 3 + HDMI, microphone and speakers
Physical specifications: 19.8×37.00×252.8 mm, aprox. 19.3 kg
Memory Technology: DDR3 SDRAM
Product Model: 6-1005sa
Product Name: Envy 6-1005sa Sleekbook
Maximum Memory: 8GB
Marketing Info: Live-free and light now with ultra-thin, ultra-light, ultra-affortable HP ENVY Ultrabooks that are down for whatever. Own the only large screen Ultrabook™ with Beats Audio™. Hear awesome Beats Audio™ studio quality sound boosted by two HP Triple Base Reflex Subwoofers only on HP ENVY Ultrabook™.
9. ASUS R704A-RH51
Overview:
We are actually amazed that ASUS managed to equip this laptop with so many features. An Intel Core i5 processor, and 4GB memory with 750GB HDD is incredible considering that the device is only 584.00 dollars on Amazon. It does NOT have a back-lit keyboard, as the Amazon description says, but it is still an excellent bargain. There is no OS disc and no Bluetooth, but the on-board Wi-Fi works beautifully.
In case you are wondering, ASUS is the company with the least returns and complaints, and wonderful customer support. I have owned an Asus core 2 duo laptop for 4 years and I was extremely pleased with the performance, so if I were to pick, the R704A would probably be my pick for a budget laptop.
The Good: incredible features for such a decent price, stellar customer support
The Bad: no back-lit keyboard, Windows 8 not 8.1, no Bluetooth and OS disc
CPU Type: Intel Core i5 3210 M, 2.50 GHz, 3mB Smart Cache
Chipset: Intel HM76
Display Type: HD+, 1600×900, 17.3 inch, wide screen
Operating System: Windows 8 64-bit Edition
GPU/VPU: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Graphic Type: integrated
Hard Drive: HDD 750 GB, 5400 rpm, SATA
Memory: 4GB, DDR3 1600
Optical Drive Type: DVD-Writer
Communications: LAN, 10/100/1000Mbps
WLAN: 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN
Additional features: card reader, webcam, Integrated stereo speakers, HDMI port, 1xVGA port, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0
Power: 6 -cell Battery
Physical Specifications: 16.5″ x 11″ x 1.6″, 6.7 lbs
Purchase Link: here
10. Toshiba Satellite L870D-ST2NX1
Overview:
With the Toshiba Satelite L870D, your HD movies, games and pictures are heading for the big screen. Your eyes will love the brilliant 17.3″ Toshiba TruBrite HD+ display. Your ears get rich vibes from the extra-wide sound bar supported by SRS Premium Sound HD enhancement technology. You will be pleasantly surprised by the long list of HD features Toshiba have added. (Source: Shopper.Cnet)
The design of this laptop is excellent, and even-though it may be considered a bit bulky, the housing is pretty good looking, the ports are well distributed o nthe surface of the device, and the screen quality is satisfactory.
The Good: excellent price for many amazing features
The Bad: bulky
Processor: AMD A series A8-4500M / 1.9 GHz ( 2.8 GHz ) ( Quad-Core )
RAM installed size: 6 GB
Hard Drive: 640 GB – Serial ATA-300 – 5400 rpm
Operating System: Windows 8
Display Type: 17.3 inches, 1600×900 HD+ resolution, 16:9, TruBrite
Additional Features: LAN, VGA, HDMI, headphone and microphone, USB 2.0, 2xUSB 3.0, card reader, stereo speakers, SRS Premium Sound HD
Graphics Processor: AMD Mobility Radeon HD 7640G
Optical Drive: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM