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Cheap Laptops: Ratings of Sources
Total of 18 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. PCMag.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of PCMag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com reviews a huge number of cheap laptops, including lots of retail configurations that are available at stores like Best Buy or Staples. Reviews are not overly long, but they are based on hands-on testing and reflect a good amount of balance. PCMag.com also includes helpful comparisons in each review. Editors are particularly impressed with the Dell Inspiron 14z, the only cheap laptop to earn an Editors' Choice award.
2. Laptop Magazine
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLaptop Magazine is among the best places to check for laptop reviews, but the site tests fewer cheap laptops than PCMag.com. The review section can be sorted by price to quickly find the cheapest laptops. Reports are detailed and include the results of testing. A few budget laptops impress enough to score an Editors' Choice award.
3. CNET
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of CNET
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET reports on laptops in reviews that are balanced, reasonably detailed and backed by testing. A number of cheap laptops are reviewed, and most earn average ratings. The Best Buy-exclusive Toshiba Portege R835-P70 is one exception -- it receives a very good overall score and an Editors' Choice award.
4. Computer Shopper
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by Editors of ComputerShopper.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentComputerShopper.com is a prolific reviewer of laptops, but the site focuses mainly on higher-end notebooks that cost more than $1,000. Only a few budget laptops are reviewed. Each laptop is thoroughly tested and rated on a 10-point scale, and Editors' Choice awards are given to the best models.
5. Notebook Review.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Ratings and Reviews
by Editors of NotebookReview.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNotebookReview.com reviews laptops on a regular basis, although it doesn't cover as many cheap laptops as those sources we rank higher. Reports are detailed and straightforward. Opinions are rendered and comparisons are made, and each laptop is rated on a 5-point scale. Editors' Choice awards are made on occasion, but no cheap laptops have received that distinction recently.
6. ConsumerReports.org
Not Dated
Laptop Ratings & Reliability
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org undoubtedly tests more cheap laptops than any other source, but its recommendations include many older or discontinued models (though some are still available at retail). Testing is unbiased but not detailed, and discussion is too brief to provide much useful insight. The report also includes information on brand reliability.
7. Walmart.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWalmart.com offers an impressive selection of budget-priced laptops. The site itself is a little difficult to use because you can't see the number of reviews until you navigate to the product page itself.
8. BestBuy.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBestBuy.com sells a vast selection of preconfigured cheap laptops, and many receive dozens of individual user reviews. In addition to an overall rating, each laptop receives sub-ratings from owners for factors such as value and performance, as well as a bottom-line comment on whether the reviewer would recommend that laptop to a friend.
9. NewEgg.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops/Notebooks
by Contributors to Newegg.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNewegg.com sells a vast selection of laptops -- including cheap laptops -- from many manufacturers. The company's typical customers are sophisticated and opinionated computer users, which often makes Newegg.com a good site for consumer reviews of technology products.
10. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com gives owners the opportunity to rate and comment on their cheap laptops. The site includes lots of budget laptops and is easy to use. Many of the models are nearing the end of their product lifetime, but most have 10 or more user reviews, and some have much more feedback.
11. TigerDirect.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops & Notebooks
by Contributors to TigerDirect.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTigerDirect.com is a large online retailer of laptops and netbooks. The site can be hard to navigate, so it's most useful for scoping out reviews of laptops you are already considering (rather than identifying the best models). The HP ProBook 4530s-XU015UT gets high ratings and lots of feedback.
12. Notebook Check.net
As of Nov. 2011
Reviews
by Editors of NotebookCheck.net
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNotebookCheck.net writes some of the most detailed laptop reviews available, but some of the computers reviewed 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, the site focuses on high-end laptops, and few cheap models are reviewed.
13. PC World
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops
by Editors of PC World
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World covers fewer budget-priced laptops than reviewers we rate higher. That's too bad; although the reviews themselves aren't the meatiest around, conclusions are backed by solid testing. Each laptop is rated on a 5-star scale.
14. About.com
As of Nov. 2011
Budget Laptop PCs for Under $600
by Mark Kyrnin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMark Kyrnin, About.com's PC hardware guide, reviews a handful of laptops that cost less than $600. Of the models available, a budget configuration of the Dell Inspiron 15r earns the best feedback, with a 4- out of 5-star rating. Though the review indicates some hands-on testing was done, it is primarily based on specifications and features. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
15. PCMag.com
April 27, 2011
Readers' Choice Awards 2011: Desktops and Laptops
by Ben Gottesman
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com releases an annual service and reliability survey for various products, including laptops. Samsung earns the highest marks among Windows-based laptops in 2011, but its ratings don't come close to Apple, which earns the Readers' Choice award year after year. Asus and Alienware earn Honorable Mentions.
16. DigitalTrends.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptop Reviews
by Editors of DigitalTrends.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDigitalTrends.com is worth a look for reviews of laptops, and it has increased its category coverage. The reviews are fairly detailed and based on hands-on testing, but the focus seems to be on pricier notebooks. Among cheaper models, the Dell Vostro V131 earns an Editors' Choice award (albeit in a more expensive configuration) and the HP Pavilion g6 earns a Recommended award.
17. Wired
As of Nov. 2011
Notebooks
by Editors of Wired
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWired reviews only a few laptops each month, but the witty and irreverent analysis is fun to read. Each laptop is rated on a 10-point scale, and the very best computers earn an Editor's Pick award. No cheap laptops have been recommended recently.
18. TechRadar.com
As of Nov. 2011
Laptops and Netbooks
by Editors of TechRadar.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTechRadar.com compiles laptop and technology reviews from a variety of U.K.-based publications, including What Laptop magazine. Reviews are relatively brief, but each laptop is rated on a 5-point scale. Most of the laptops reviewed are not available in the U.S., however.
     
 

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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