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For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
Laptop Magazine reviews a good number of cheap notebook computers and lists its top choices. Most are mainstream machines, though a couple of small netbooks are included. Reports are detailed and include… the results of testing. The 17-inch Toshiba Satellite P305D-S8900 has a relatively weak processor and a few other flaws, but its media-centric features and crisp 17-inch display lift it above the crowd to Editors' Choice status.
by Jerry Jackson
Although some more expensive options are also named, reviewer Jerry Jackson says laptops in the Dell Inspiron15, HP Pavilion dv4 and HP Pavilion dv5 series are the top cheap laptop choices. Discussion here… is brief, but links lead to full and comprehensive reviews that include testing results and comparisons to similar budget laptops. Additional cheap laptops are reviewed elsewhere on the site; although comparisons are rendered and opinions are offered, explicit recommendations are not often made. One exception is the Gateway MD7818u, which rates high enough to earn one of the site's rare Editor's Choice awards.
by Dan Ackerman
CNET tests nearly two dozen fixed-configuration laptops found at retail outlets and names top choices. Better battery life and a more powerful processor give the HP G60-235DX a small boost over other… ultra-cheap full-sized laptops. For those with a slightly larger bankroll, the Gateway MD7818u is favored for its spacious hard drive and upscale look and feel. If the best graphics performance (for the money) is important, the Toshiba Satellite A305-S6916 is worth a look. Links lead to full reviews that are balanced, reasonably detailed and backed by testing.
by Editors of ComputerShopper.com
ComputerShopper.com regularly reviews laptops and names the top five products in a variety of categories, including budget laptops. Although products aren't directly compared, each is assigned an overall… rating. Reviews are balanced but not as detailed as some we've seen elsewhere. A trio of Gateway models -- the Gateway UC7807u, Gateway MD7801u and Gateway TC7804u -- takes the lead among current laptops. Though all ask for some compromises, the editors say they strike a good balance among budget, style and performance.
by Cisco Cheng
Although many of the computers on this list are too expensive to be considered truly inexpensive, and others are more properly classified as minimally capable netbooks, there are enough fully capable budget… choices covered for PCMag.com to be a worthwhile destination for reviews. Write-ups are not overly long but are sufficiently detailed; the results of tests are posted. Each laptop gets a rating that can be compared to others in the category. A pair of Gateway laptops, the Gateway MD7801u and Gateway TC7804u -- draw the highest ratings among sub $800, non-netbook laptops. Both are complimented for delivering performance and features at a bargain price.
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
by J. Simon Leitner and Ronald TiefenthŠler
This website offers comprehensive laptop comparisons, but some of the reviewed notebook computers aren't available in the U.S. Each model is rated in a dozen subcategories, including workmanship, keyboard,… mouse, connectivity, weight, battery, display and more, and then it's assigned a weighted average rating; however there's no easy way to compare laptops without reading through each review. Additionally, the site can be challenging to use because it is translated from the reviewers' native German. Though many of the reviewed laptops fall outside the range of what could be considered cheap, we found a good selection of low-priced choices.
by Editors of PCWorld.com
Compared to many other reviewers, PCWorld.com covers fewer budget-priced laptops. That's too bad; although the reviews themselves aren't the meatiest around, conclusions are backed by solid testing. Though… it costs a bit more, the Lenovo IdeaPad Y530 is one budget-priced laptop that does well with PCWorld.com testers. It's called a good option for work and a little play. The Gateway UC7807u is a solid performer wrapped in a stylish design, editors say.
by Mark Kyrnin
Mark Kyrnin, About.com's PC hardware guide, reviews the top five budget laptops under $750. Though all the listed laptops have strengths, Kyrnin names the Toshiba Satellite A355-S6925 as best overall for… its performance and features, including a larger-than-typical 16-inch display. Reviews cover important points, but testing is not explained or documented in any way. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
BestBuy.com sells a vast selection of preconfigured cheap laptops. Customers post reviews of laptops that they own. In addition to an overall rating, each laptop receives sub-ratings for factors like value… and performance, as well as a bottom-line comment on whether the reviewer would recommend that laptop to a friend. Among laptops with a high level of satisfaction and lots of feedback, the HPG60-235DX seems to be a standout. Though it gets less -- though still considerable -- feedback, the Toshiba A305-S6905 rates just as impressively. Among slightly more expensive but also more capable budget machines, the Toshiba A305-S6916 does well.
by Contributors to Newegg.com
by Sascha Segan and Eric Griffith
by Contributors to NotebookForums.com
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Amazon.com gives visitors the opportunity to rate and comment on cheap laptops that they own. The HP Pavilion G60-230US is one of the few budget laptops to get more than a handful of reviews, and even then… the feedback is not extensive. Though a couple of users report failures shortly after purchase, most seem to be extremely pleased. The Toshiba Satellite A355-S6925 is another budget laptop -- albeit a more expensive one -- that leaves most buyers satisfied, but only 30 or so buyers comment.
by Contributors to Walmart.com
by Editors of AskMen.com
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This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.
Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
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Gateway UC-7807U 13.3-Inch Silver Laptop
 from Amazon.com New: $499.99 In Stock.
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Toshiba Satellite P305D-S8900 17" Laptop Computer
from Amazon.com New: $999.60 In Stock.
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