Affordable Laptops You'll Absolutely Adore
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Chapter 1: Budget Laptops Overview
For years, budget laptops have been the butt of jokes among tech enthusiasts, especially those who have the means to purchase pricier options. However, this perspective overlooks a key truth: most average users don't need high-end specs for daily tasks.
What do you really need for web browsing, email, or writing documents? The answer is simple—very little. For individuals facing financial constraints during the pandemic, or parents seeking affordable devices for their children's education, I’ve curated a selection of five budget laptops that you’re sure to appreciate.
What to Anticipate from These Budget Laptops
It's important to note that you won’t find any Apple laptops on this list, as they do not offer models in the budget category. I’ve set a price ceiling of $500, which gives you a variety of Windows or ChromeOS options.
Most of these laptops will have plastic casings—don’t expect premium materials like aluminum or magnesium. While some components might not be cutting-edge, they will adequately support basic tasks.
In some instances, I’ve enhanced the memory and storage to improve the laptop's performance. For example, if the base model starts with 4 GB of RAM, I've upgraded it to 8 GB (this isn't a concern for ChromeOS devices). Additionally, I’ve increased the storage from 128 GB to 256 GB where possible.
Based on my experience, Windows laptops—especially budget models—tend to lag with only 4 GB of RAM. A memory upgrade can significantly enhance your satisfaction with the laptop over time. While storage is less critical, it’s still a factor to consider. If you primarily use cloud storage, 128 GB may suffice, but local apps and Windows will occupy a significant portion of that space.
Now, let’s dive into the five budget laptops worth considering, listed in no particular order.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Price: $449.99 at Dell.com
Specifications:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i3–1115G4 Processor
- Windows 11 Home (S mode)
- Intel UHD Graphics
- 8 GB RAM (upgrade)
- 256 GB M.2 SSD (upgrade)
- 15.6-inch FHD 1920x1080 Anti-glare Display
- 720p HD camera
- 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth
- Color: Carbon Black
The upgraded RAM and storage make this laptop suitable for anyone needing to handle emails, web surfing, and Microsoft Office tasks. It comes with Windows Home in S mode but can be upgraded to Windows 11 Home for free.
Lenovo ThinkPad 11e Yoga Gen 6
Price: $349.00 at Lenovo.com
Specifications:
- 8th Gen Intel® Core™ m3–8100Y Processor
- Windows 10 Home
- 11.6-inch HD 1366x768 touchscreen
- 8 GB RAM
- 128 GB SSD
- 720p HD camera
- 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth
- Color: Black
This compact Windows laptop may be the smallest on the list, but it still packs a punch. Despite its older 8th Gen Intel m3 processor, it performs admirably for everyday tasks. A unique feature allows you to write on the screen with a standard pencil without damage.
HP Laptop 15t-dw300
Price: $419.99 at HP.com
Specifications:
- Intel Core i5–1135G7 Processor
- Iris Xe Graphics
- Windows 11 Home
- 8 GB RAM
- 15.6-inch HD 1366x768 display
- 256 GB M.2 SSD
- 720p HD camera
- 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth
- Color: Black
This mid-range laptop can handle nearly any task effortlessly, featuring the fastest processor on this list. Although the display resolution is not the best, it provides a solid performance for the price.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Price: $299.99 at Bestbuy.com
Specifications:
- MediaTek Helio P60T processor
- ChromeOS
- 4 GB RAM
- 128 GB SSD
- 10.1-inch 1920x1200 touchscreen
- 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth
- Detachable keyboard
- Front and rear-facing cameras
The Chromebook Duet is the most affordable option here at $299.99, designed primarily for web-based tasks. It’s perfect for users who rely heavily on Google services and can even run Microsoft Office via the web.
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook
Price: $429.99 at Amazon.com
Specifications:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i3–1115G4 processor
- ChromeOS
- 8 GB RAM
- 64 GB eMMC storage
- 13.3-inch 1920x1080 touchscreen
- Color: Abyss Blue
Featuring an 11th Gen Intel i3 processor, the Flex 5i offers speedy performance. Though it has less local storage, ChromeOS operates efficiently with this configuration, making it a great choice for cloud-based users.
Final Thoughts
While any of these budget laptops would serve well, the best option ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors like operating system, touchscreen availability, display size, brand, and price when making your decision.
If I had to choose one from this list, it would be the HP Laptop 15t-dw300. With its 11th Gen Intel i5 processor and Iris Xe graphics, it delivers excellent performance, although the display resolution could be better.
These five budget-friendly laptops have received positive reviews and are worth your time. Take a moment to explore your options, compare specifications, and make the selection that aligns with your needs and budget.
Until next time...
Now, to give you a better idea of the options available, check out these videos:
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