Cheap Laptop Review

What are the tradeoffs of sub-$800 cheap laptops?

The prices of laptops continue to fall, with some starting below $400. Although reviewers cite a number of drawbacks to bottom-of-the-line notebook computers, you can easily get a fully functional laptop for $800 or less. This report covers laptops with comfortable keyboards and 11- to 17-inch screens. Netbooks are another class of inexpensive laptop; these cost as little as $300 and are small (most have a 10-inch screen) and easy to carry around, but they are driven by a less-powerful processor. However, if you only need a small laptop for light-duty computing, a netbook might work for you. See our companion report.

Most budget laptops give users everything needed for basic computing, home entertainment and online communication. However, they won't deliver the top-end performance needed for extensive number crunching or rendering graphics, and most will leave dedicated gamers crying for more. Previously, they didn't deliver the trim profile and light weight that make ultraportable computers such excellent traveling companions. However, thanks to a new generation of ultra-low-voltage processors, you can now find several thin and light budget laptops that are as stylish and striking as anything available, including the MacBook Air.

Before opting for a budget laptop, it's important to consider whether these tradeoffs are worth the lower cost. If you want more information on more powerful business and gaming laptops, see the separate ConsumerSearch report on laptops. Ultraportable laptops are also covered in their own report. Apple laptops -- which are more expensive than the cheap laptops discussed here -- are covered in the ConsumerSearch report on Apple computers and laptops.

Although some reviewers turn their gaze toward higher-end options, there are also many who devote plenty of attention to cheap laptops. Laptop Magazine and NotebookReview.com are among the best. Laptop Magazine is slightly more helpful by offering ratings and more explicit recommendations, but the reviews at NotebookReview.com go into more detail and compare the results of benchmark tests to each laptop's nearest competitors. CNET, PCMag.com and ComputerShopper.com also offer worthwhile reporting on cheap laptops. ConsumerReports.org tests lots of budget-priced laptops, but discussion is woefully thin and the current report is dated. BestBuy.com is a great destination for reading user opinions.

When purchasing a laptop, buyers have two options: They can order a custom-configured laptop from the manufacturer or purchase a preconfigured laptop at retail. Both have advantages and disadvantages. If you custom-order a laptop, you will get exactly what you are looking for in terms of features and performance. However, inexperienced computer buyers can be overwhelmed by the multitude of choices typically offered, and it can take weeks to receive a laptop.

Preconfigured laptops, on the other hand, typically won't have the latest technology or offer the best performance, but they do provide the biggest bang for the buck.