Cheap Laptops

Unless you buy a preconfigured notebook computer in a store, laptop manufacturers usually offer a vast array of configuration options. In some cases, entry-level prices are a come-on, and laptops are often reviewed at twice those prices or more. To the greatest extent possible for this report, we looked at laptops that were tested in sub-$1,000 configurations. We also considered laptops that were tested at slightly higher prices, but are fully functional and able to adequately run Windows Vista in sub-$1,000 configurations.

Vista has system requirements that are considerably more demanding than Windows XP. The upside of that is that any laptop running Vista should be adequately equipped to run the most popular applications. The downside is that reviewers say Vista needs 1 GB of RAM, even though Microsoft says 512 MB is adequate for Vista Home Basic. Vista Home Premium has more features and flash, so it is the most common stock operating system, even with budget laptops that aren't well-equipped to run it. Vista Home Premium and all other versions of Vista need at least 1 GB of RAM, according to Microsoft, but experts say 2 GB is really essential. You will sacrifice some performance running Vista Home Premium or Vista Business with only 1 GB of RAM. So even for budget laptops, experts say you should spend more to get 2 GB.

Similarly, you should also expect to pay more for a Core 2 Duo processor. Entry-level configurations usually include older processors, such as the Celeron, Pentium and second generation dual-core processors. Current Core 2 Duo processors feature Centrino Duo technology (reviewers and tech writers still call it by its code name, Santa Rosa), which runs Vista better and significantly improves battery life. It also enables faster wireless transfer speeds.

Santa Rosa Core 2 Duo processors are also more expensive than microprocessors made by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Many budget laptops -- although few currently recommended by reviewers -- use AMD chips. Although less expensive, AMD microprocessors currently do not have the performance enhancements made possible by Santa Rosa.

Reviews are quick to point out that shopping for a cheap laptop is an exercise in compromise. Though you will get a notebook computer that can handle word processing, e-mail and web surfing, it's not going to deliver adequate gaming performance, and multimedia performance might be choppy. This is one area where Santa Rosa technology can make a big difference in a budget laptop. Most budget notebook computers have integrated video, and one of the improvements made possible by the new technology is a better integrated graphics chip. Most -- but not all -- experts say it is still not an ideal substitute for a dedicated video card, but the improvement over earlier integrated solutions is noticeable. All experts do agree that Santa Rosa technology greatly improves battery life, sometimes by as much as 50 percent. Various power-conserving features and additional wireless capabilities are also part of the platform.

Since most laptops can be configured on manufacturers' websites, you have great flexibility in choosing features to fit your budget. You'll best be able to save money by thinking about how you use your notebook computer, and considering where you can tweak components to lower costs.

The computer industry is always in flux and new technologies are continually being introduced. Even in this inflationary era, consumers continue to get more computer performance per dollar. Last month, Intel introduced a new generation of mobile processors. In Intel's typical confusing fashion, these are code-named Penryn (the term you'll find in articles and reviews), but marketed under the Core 2 Duo name, the same as the older chips. You won't find Penryn chips in budget laptops for a while, but the five new Penryn mobile chips will move to the top of Intel's price ladder. Each older chip drops a rung, so Santa Rosa laptops might become cheaper very soon.

Almost all sub-$1,000 laptops have one-year limited warranties. Often, those warranties can be extended, but the cost is usually steep compared to the purchase price. If you buy a $450 laptop, it might make more sense to forego an extended warranty and accept the risk that you'll need to replace rather than repair the laptop if it needs an expensive fix once the standard warranty has expired. One thing to keep in mind is that many credit cards will double a manufacturer's warranty, usually up to two years. One disadvantage of replacing rather than repairing is that computer equipment in landfills is a growing environmental concern.

Best cheap laptops for all-around use

The Dell Vostro 1500 (starting at *est. $500) is marketed as a small business computer, but reviewers unanimously agree that it is much more of a consumer laptop than a business laptop. In its base configuration, the Vostro 1500 does not include a video card, but it is an upgrade option (*est. $100) with all base versions. That distinguishes it from the Dell Inspiron 1525 (see below), which has no slot for a video card.

The cheapest of the base models comes with a Celeron processor, but the middle model is only $80 more at press time, and includes upgrades to a Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 250 GB hard drive and a DVD burner. All versions have a 15.4-inch widescreen display. We found the Vostro 1500 reviewed on NotebookCheck.net, PC Magazine and NotebookReview.com -- all praise it for value, with good build quality and a nice keyboard. Downsides include its 7-pound weight and the quality of the display. The laptop itself has a plain-Jane design, which also keeps the price low.

Another cheap laptop, the Vostro 1400 (starting at *est. $500) appears to be identical to the 1500, except that it has a smaller 14.1-inch display and correspondingly lighter weight. Laptop magazine gives the Vostro 1400 an Editor's Choice award, but tests the laptop in a $1,500 configuration. A NotebookReview.com review also recommends the Vostro 1400.

The Dell Inspiron 1525 (starting at *est. $500) is recommended in some reviews, but at the base price, it's not a good value, and it comes with integrated video without upgradability. CNet.com gives the Dell 1525 a good rating (7.3/10), but Dan Ackerman cautions, "We would steer far clear of the lowest-end components." He recommends upgrading to a Core 2 Duo processor.

PC Magazine cites the same considerations. Cisco Cheng advises, "Just make sure you don't go with less than the 2 GB of RAM my review unit had, so you're able to offset the demands of Windows Vista Home Premium." With the reviewer-recommended upgrades (an older Core 2 Duo CPU and 2 GB of RAM), the Inspiron 1525 is still an inexpensive laptop (*est. $700). The Vostro 1500 will be a better value for most people, but if you want a nicer looking case, the Inspiron 1525 comes in a dozen colors. Note that you pay an additional $25 for any color other than black. Reviewers haven't been overly impressed with performance and Computer Shopper warns that the "glossy screen produces excessive glare."

On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 1420 (starting at *est. $650) is highly rated by all reviewers who have seen it. Computer Shopper says it outperformed more expensive laptops in its tests, and reviewer Jaime Bsales also likes the 14.1-inch widescreen display and features such as eight color choices. PC World's review commends battery life. Reviewers tested configurations in the $1,700 to $1,800 range, which discounts much of the praise, but on the other hand, reviews date to last summer, so consumers get much more for the dollar now.

The downsides to the Dell Inspiron 1420 are obvious hardware limitations, and you can buy your way out of any of them. An upgrade to a Core 2 Duo processor only adds $50. The base model only includes 1 GB of RAM. With Vista (included) and integrated video, a RAM upgrade ($100) is essential. Those changes bring the price to the $800 to $1,000 range, but leave the laptop uncompromised. A video card is an option.

The HP Pavilion line of cheap laptops has generally received favorable ratings in the past couple of years. Reviewers especially like them for multimedia. However, the glossy displays that enhance movie watching can be problematic for working under various lighting conditions. With a recent turnover in the line, no current HP budget model has more than one review.

The HP Pavilion dv6500t received the most review recommendations at the time of our last report. It has been replaced by the HP Pavilion dv6700t (starting at *est. $650) , which is only reviewed by NotebookReview.com so far. Jerry Jackson directly compares it with the Dell Inspiron 1525. He says, "After close comparison to Dell's new Inspiron 1525 the only thing Dell really offers over this HP notebook is an extra USB port and a slightly lower starting price." Jackson likes the processor and video options for a mainstream laptop. He's impressed with the build quality, keyboard and touchpad of the HP dv6700t.

The HP Pavilion cheap laptop has a 15.4-inch widescreen display. As with the similar Dell notebooks, the base configuration is stripped. Sufficient RAM and CPU upgrades bring the price to about $775, and a video card costs an additional $100.

The Sony VAIO VGN-NR160E (starting at *est. $800) is top-rated by one computer and one consumer magazine, but other reviews for this budget Sony laptop are mixed. Sony is usually a premium-priced brand, and reviewers are pleased that consumers can buy a cheap Sony. In recent years, Sony (like Apple) has been perceived (and marketed) as a designer brand. That means you pay for style as well as substance. The VGN-NR160E is available in three colors: silver, white and wenge brown (which could be described as tortoiseshell).

Laptop magazine honors the Sony VAIO VGN-NR160E as one of its top picks. Speed relative to price and hard drive size are particular reasons for this. Mike Spitalieri also likes the crisp display. While some reviewers think you get quite a bit for the dollar, NotebookReview.com suggests that you can find better values in the same price range. The stock configuration does include a DVD burner, but the rest of the hardware isn't exceptional: a 15.4-inch widescreen display, 1.5 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, a slow 5,400 RPM hard drive, integrated video and just 1 GB of RAM, which reviewers such as PC Magazine's Cisco Cheng say should be upgraded. Lots of reviewers complain that Sony ships this model with too much "bloatware" -- software programs of dubious value, such as offers for Internet access and security software.

Budget business notebook computers

Business laptops are the best value for anyone who is more interested in working than playing with a laptop. Whether you're a businessperson, student or home user who needs some portability, you can save money by eschewing the expensive hardware needed for entertainment. Business laptops have better portability, reliability and resistance to damage from inadvertent physical abuse.

Many reviewers cite the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 (starting at *est. $950) as the best business laptop, but its entry-level price just barely qualifies it as a cheap laptop, and upgrades will take the price higher still. The Lenovo T61 is covered in more depth in our report on higher-end laptops .

If you need a cheaper alternative, the closest competitor to the Lenovo T61 is the 14.1-inch Dell Latitude D630 (starting at *est. $850). Some reviewers, such as CNet.com and TrustedReviews.com, go so far as to call it the best business laptop regardless of price. Many of those that disagree still find plenty to like. For example, Laptop magazine's Jeffrey Wilson explains, "We prefer the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 because of its unique display protection, lighter weight, and stronger wireless range, but the D630 offers all of the security, durability, and performance a business user could want for a reasonable price." Reviews cite a number of virtues, including battery life, construction quality, a bright display and security features such as a fingerprint reader. The included three-year limited warranty is another major plus. Display contrast is a weakness according to most reviews.

The Latitude D630 is based on Intel's Santa Rosa platform, but Dell includes Windows XP to avoid the higher hardware demands of Vista. The unit has a 14.1-inch widescreen display and weighs about 4.5 pounds. Dell offers three starting configurations, and each includes a huge selection of options. At the lowest price, Dell includes a 2 GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, an ample 80 GB hard drive, a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, integrated video and security software. Doubling the RAM adds only $40 to the price. Versions of Vista are more expensive upgrades.

The Lenovo ThinkPad R61 (starting at *est. $735) also merits some consideration. However, no reviewer cites it as the best in its class, and reviews that do recommend the R61 test it in configurations exceeding $1,800. The fact that the R61 tests well in those configurations doesn't tell us much about how it performs when configured at half the price. That also applies to evaluation of battery life.

We can tell you that the Lenovo ThinkPad R61 is uncompromised for a business laptop at the base price. The biggest difference between the ThinkPad T61 or Latitude D630 and the ThinkPad R61 that will matter to business buyers is that the R61 only comes with a one-year limited warranty. The Lenovo R61 has a 14.1-inch or 15.4-inch widescreen display. At the lowest price, Lenovo includes a 2 GHz Core 2 Duo processor. Most versions of the R61 include Windows Vista Business Edition, 1 GB of RAM, an 80 GB hard drive, two integrated input devices (a trackpad and a pointing nub) and integrated video. The ThinkPad R61 is heavier and bulkier than the T61, however. Some reviewers prefer the matte screens found on Lenovo laptops instead of glossy screens because they won't produce as much glare under office lighting.

Until now, you couldn't buy a functional ultraportable (lighter than about five pounds) laptop for less than $1,000. The Toshiba Satellite U300/U305 series (starting at *est. $855) cracks that barrier, and may be worth consideration if light weight is your main priority. The tradeoffs include less battery life, a small 13.3-inch screen and some hardware compromises. Most of the models in the line include a Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, an integrated webcam and a DVD burner. One drawback is that these Toshiba laptops are heavier than most ultraportable laptops; with a weight that starts at 4.6 pounds, it is actually heavier than the larger Dell Latitude D630 profiled above. Ultraportable laptops are covered in more depth in their own ConsumerSearch report.

Ultra-cheap laptop computers

Conventional wisdom -- along with our usual research -- tells us that laptops that cost under $500 aren't often reviewed, and are rarely favorably reviewed. However, the Asus Eee PC 4G (starting at *est. $350) is setting that stereotype on its ear. We found more reviews of the most popular Asus Eee PC 4G configuration (*est. $400) than any other budget laptop. The product's limitations are extreme, which results in a minority of unfavorable or mixed reviews, but most reviews are extremely enthusiastic.

The Asus Eee PC 4G part of new generation of sub-notebooks (also called micro PCs and ultra-mobile personal computers, or UMPCs). This cheap laptop has a 7-inch display with an 800 x 480 pixel resolution, a nearly conventional but cramped keyboard and a two-pound system weight. The Asus Eee PC 4G isn't a Windows computer, however -- it comes bundled with Linux and many popular open source applications, including the Open Office suite. It can run Windows XP, but has no easy way to install it because there is no optical drive. However, you can connect an external DVD drive via one of the three USB ports.

The core configuration suggests the Eee PC is a toy, but reviewers are pleasantly surprised by its performance. It has a 900 MHz Celeron processor, 512 MB of RAM (not upgradeable) and 4 GB of flash memory that substitutes for a hard drive. Other versions of the Eee PC have more flash memory. The unit also has an SD card slot, so you can add some storage capacity that way. Features include a built-in webcam and analog modem, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and connectors for an external monitor, headphones and a microphone. It's built to be durable (no mechanical hard drive helps) and has a two-year limited warranty.

NotebookReview.com and Laptop magazine select the Asus Eee PC 4G as a top pick. TrustedReviews.com gives it a "Recommended" award. It also earns high ratings and/or praise from Australian PC World, Computer Shopper, PC Magazine, CNet.com and others. Most users love it.

The minimal storage capacity, keyboard and low-resolution screen do draw their share of reviewer criticism. Many websites can't fit into the screen, which is awkward. Klaus Hinum of NotebookCheck.net says "The Eee PC cannot replace a PC, because there are too many restrictions due to performance and ergonomics." Computer Shopper's Denny Atkin summarizes, "With a tiny keyboard, small screen, and stripped-down OS, the Eee PC isn't for everyone. But it delivers unmatched portability at a bargain price."

Laptops for kids

Certainly, any laptop can be a good laptop for kids if you can teach them how to use it and are comfortable spending $500 or more. But a few laptops are intended specifically for children.

The Asus Eee PC 4G is a good choice for kids. Though not specifically marketed to them, it includes a bunch of software for kids. Several reviews include child testing of the Eee PC, and results are encouraging. Laptop magazine reviewer Jamie Bsales' eight-year-old son got to try the Asus Eee PC, OLPC XO (*est. $400) and Intel Classmate PC (*est. $250). He preferred the Eee PC. PC Magazine tests all three sub-notebooks and concludes the Eee PC is a great bargain.

The much-publicized One Laptop per Child Foundation finally introduced its first computer last fall: the OLPC XO. The non-profit organization's goal is to improve the education of children in third-world countries. The original intent was to produce $100 laptops and secure funding to produce and donate them. The $100 laptop proved to be not possible -- at least not yet. The OLPC XO costs about $200 to produce. At present, you can't buy one, so we won't devote too much attention to it in this report. Through December, the foundation offered a "buy one/give one" promotion (buyers paid $400). That inspired some very interesting reviews. We can easily envision a similar future scenario in which future generations of the laptop are sold at a profit to subsidize donations.

Intel had originally participated in the One Laptop per Child project, but then dropped out and produced its own sub-notebook for children. Intel is not giving the laptops away; it is selling them for $200 to $300 -- which is a little below cost. The company's long-term goal is to create a market for its products in countries that are currently too economically disadvantaged to have much demand for computers. Like the OLPC XO, the Intel Classmate PC receives several reviews, but is not currently available for sale in the U.S.

Important Features: Cheap laptops

The following is what the experts recommend in a budget laptop:

• Get a Core 2 Duo processor. Base prices often exclude them, but experts agree that an Intel Core 2 Duo processor is an affordable essential. Look for processors with Intel's Santa Rosa/Centrino Duo capabilities.

• Get at least 1 GB of RAM. Get as much RAM as you can afford. 1 GB is essential for running Windows Vista, according to reviews. The lower-end configurations of budget laptops have integrated video, which means that some of the system's RAM (commonly 512 MB) is dedicated to the display. That hampers all activities. Upgrading to a discreet video card liberates your RAM for Windows and the applications you are running. More RAM will allow you to work in more open applications at once without system drag. Budget laptops often come with 1 GB. If you upgrade any one feature, reviews say upgrading the RAM is more important than anything else. Experts agree that Vista Home Premium needs 2 GB of RAM.

• Don't worry about hard drive size unless you know you have massive storage needs. All but the cheapest laptops have 80 GB hard drives, which will hold thousands of MP3s and photographs. However, if you anticipate needing a larger hard drive, they are an inexpensive upgrade when you are ordering a new computer. Switching later to a larger hard drive on a laptop is more expensive.

• Take note of service/support and warranty. Except for some business laptops like the Dell Latitude D630, cheap laptops have a one-year limited warranty. Upgraded warranties are expensive. Prices vary by brand and model. Retailers also offer varying upgraded service options, again at high prices.

• Get a laptop with a video card for anything other than just business use. The base price of cheap laptops usually includes integrated video. Unless an amount of video RAM is specified, the computer comes with a video chip on the motherboard instead of a video card. A large chunk of system RAM is then devoted to the display. An upgrade to a video card frees that RAM and improves the smoothness of moving images on your screen. However, video cards suitable for great gaming are not possible within the budget price range.

• Get the Internet connectivity options you need. Even cheap laptops come with built-in wireless networking, which lets you connect to a Wi-Fi network without any additional hardware. If you plan to connect to the Internet with a dial-up modem, be aware that many laptops do not include a modem. Ethernet connectors for broadband are standard, but you should verify that a laptop under consideration has one.

• Get an appropriate optical drive. The most common base option with cheap laptops is a combination DVD-ROM/CD burner drive. That will let you load or reload software and back up your work. You can use the drive to listen to music CDs or watch DVD movies. A DVD burner will give you about six times greater storage capacity per disk than a CD burner. Floppy drives are no longer an option with laptops.

Some manufacturers usually give you a choice of operating systems with budget laptops. The stock option with most cheap laptops is Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium. If a laptop is under-powered for running Vista, it may come with the home edition of Windows XP instead. If you do want XP, buy soon. Microsoft will not allow it to be included on new laptops after June. You're most likely to get Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium in a new laptop. We found plenty of laptops that include Vista Home Premium in the base configuration, but not all have enough RAM to run it well.

Windows Vista Home Basic replaces Windows XP Home. Home Basic is suitable for most business and entertainment purposes, but it does not include the Windows Mobility Center, which Microsoft is promoting for laptops.

The Windows Mobility Center is included in all other versions of Vista. It includes power management software, fast resumption from hibernation, an improved battery meter, support for a second display, presentation features and a HotStart button that lets you access media without fully booting to Windows. For example, you can play a CD with the laptop closed.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
6	Asus Eee PC 4G (starting at *est. $350)	details
3	Dell Latitude D630 (starting at *est. $850)	-
2	Acer Aspire 4710-2013 (*est. $600)	-
2	Dell Vostro 1500 (starting at *est. $500)	details
1 each	Dell Inspiron 1420 , Dell Inspiron 1521, Dell Inspiron 1525 , Dell Vostro 1400 , HP dv6700t , Lenovo ThinkPad R61 , Sony VAIO VGN-NR series , Toshiba Satellite A215 series

The Dell Latitude D630 is the best budget business laptop, according to several reviewers. The Lenovo ThinkPad T61 is more highly regarded, but only the untested entry-level configuration is available for under $1,000. Dell's new Vostro series of business laptops generally receives unenthusiastic reviews, but several reviewers strongly recommend the Vostro 1400 and 1500 models. They are extraordinarily cheap, even in their higher-end configurations; you can buy one with a Core 2 Duo processor for less than $600.

The Asus Eee PC series captivates reviewers, but this micro laptop isn't for everyone -- at least not all adults. They have slow Celeron processors, 7-inch displays, cramped keyboards and run the Linux operating system. Still, they are inexpensive and easy to use.

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