Cheap Laptop Reviews

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

The prices of laptops continue to fall, with some starting as low as $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, full-size keyboards and 13- to 17-inch screens. Netbooks are another class of inexpensive laptop; these cost as little as $300 but have only 9-, 10- or 12-inch screens, a compressed keyboard and little memory. However, if you only need a small laptop for typing notes or emails, a netbook might work for you. See our companion report.

Most budget laptops are classified as midsize or mainstream and generally 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. They also won't deliver the trim profile and light weight that make ultraportable computers such excellent traveling companions. Before shopping for a cheap laptop, it's important to consider whether these trade-offs 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 shines by focusing attention on preconfigured laptops that are available at major retailers. 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. 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 available, but they provide the maximum bang for the buck because manufacturers can take advantage of economies of scale that are not available in assembling built-to-order laptops. Because getting the best value possible is a prime consideration for most people interested in buying a cheap laptop, this report focuses on preconfigured options.