Cheap Laptops: Reviews

The 14-inch Dell Inspiron 14z provides more than enough power for most computing tasks, reviewers say, and its thin design and Chiclet-style keyboard make it far more stylish than most cheap laptops. The components inside… expandare better than the ones found in most cheap laptops, too. The base configuration with its Intel Core i3 processor, 4 GB of memory and 500 GB hard drive is a capable budget performer, though most reviewers test and recommend upgraded configurations that cost more than $700 and typically include a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-2430M processor, 6 or 8 GB of RAM and a roomy 750 GB hard drive. All configurations also include integrated graphics, a CD/DVD burner, support for Intel's Wireless Display 2 technology, two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port. Reviewers say the Dell laptop has strong performance for this price range and outperforms other cheap laptops in many different kinds of tasks. Battery life is very good, with most reviewers getting seven to eight hours in a single charge. However, critics say the touchpad's mouse buttons activate only with forceful pushes, and the plastic cover for the various connectivity ports is flimsy. collapse

Even in its base configuration, reviewers say that the HP Pavilion dv6t Select Edition offers great performance for its price class. That configuration features a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-2430M processor, 8 GB of RAM and a… expandbig 750 GB hard drive. A bevy of upgrades and enhancements are available, such as a step up from integrated Intel graphics to a discrete AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics card, which adds another $75 to the total. Experts recommend the 15.6 inch HP laptop as a desktop replacement as long as you aren't into serious gaming -- though the AMD graphics can handle light 3D gaming in games like "World of Warcraft" and "Portal 2." Extras like Intel's Wireless Display 2.0 technology, HDMI and USB 3.0 ports and Beats audio only sweeten the pot. The 55W battery life clocks in at just over six hours, and while that's not bad, it lags behind some laptops with beefier batteries. There is also some bloatware installed on the machine. collapse

For business users on tight budgets, reviewers say the Dell Vostro v131 is a top pick. It's available in a variety of configurations, including a base model that starts at $500. Most reviewers, however, tend to shy away… expandfrom that configuration -- and its Intel Celeron processor -- in favor of an upgraded version that costs $800. What you get for your money is a second-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive. The laptop also includes a number of business-friendly features, including a matte display screen, a fingerprint scanner, Wireless Display 2.0 technology and USB 3.0 and HDMI ports-- although it lacks an optical drive. The Dell laptop weighs slightly more than 4 pounds, and its battery lasts more than 10 hours, making it a good choice for frequent travelers. When it comes to performance, experts say the Dell Vostro v131 outperforms similarly priced options and holds its own against more expensive laptops, although the integrated graphics limit your gaming options. Critics also say that the speakers are lackluster. collapse

If you want a full-size laptop but your budget is in netbook territory, reviews point to the Dell Inspiron 15r as a good choice. Although you can upgrade to more expensive configurations with faster and bigger components,… expandexperts say that a pre-configured retail version that clocks in at around $500 is reasonably equipped for its price with 4 GB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive. This Inspiron 15r includes several features that aren't often found in a $500 laptop, including eSATA, HDMI and USB ports, and Bluetooth and Wireless Display 2.0 technology. The Core i3 processor combined with the 4 GB of RAM make the laptop an adequate performer for everyday tasks and even heavier operations like media encoding and HD video streaming, although its gaming capabilities are next to none. Critics say the Inspiron 15r's battery life and speakers also outshine the competition in this price range. collapse