Cheap Laptops
From LoveToKnow Save
Purchasing cheap laptops is a good way to get a computer with all the features you want, as well as the convenience of computing anywhere. Although laptop computers were expensive when they first came on the market, their price has dropped considerably.
Cheap Laptops for Everyday Use
Before heading to a store or surfing online to find the best deal, consider what you will be using your laptop for the most:
- Gaming
- Internet
- Word or data processing
- Video or photo processing
- Music downloading and editing
Finding a great deal is only a matter of prioritizing. Graphic cards (used by gamers for better quality pictures) often cost extra, so if that is not something you plan to do, forgo the extra expense. Keeping laptop pricing low means getting only the bare minimum on items you will not use often.
Once you know what your main use for the computer is, think about purchasing a rebuilt computer. Get recommendations for a reputable place in your area. The upside to purchasing a rebuilt computer is that it is frequently much lower in price, especially if you want a lot of features. But the downside is that a rebuilt unit has a short warranty, or is sold "as is". Additionally, you can only call for help to the place where you purchased it, because there isn't a manufacturer's customer service line available.
Affordable New Laptops
Laptop computers are available in several price ranges from every major computer company. Find product reviews for different makes and models under $1,000 at PC Magazine.
Check out the following laptops from brand-name companies for reasonably priced new laptops for all your computing needs.
Dell
The Inspiron E1505 features the Intel Core 2 Duo processor for optimal performance. Built for entertainment, the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 turns your computer into an entire system for videos, photos, and more.
Dell’s Inspiron E1405 is lightweight and compact, made for a person on the go. It features TrueLife technology for reduced screen glare and comes standard with Wi-Fi for connecting to the Internet on the move.
The 1705 Inspiron model is made for optimal entertainment. It has a 17-inch screen and can come with up to 256 MB NVIDIA for graphics. This laptop was made to replace a desktop computer.
All three Dell laptops begin at under $1,000 for the “Built By You” models. Customization is an extra cost.
Macintosh
The MacBook begins at $1,099 without customization. Standard features include 512 MB 667 DDR2 SDRAM and 60 GB hard drive that runs at 5400 rpm. For an extra cost, modems, software, extra memory, and adaptors can be added onto the package.
Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard (HP) systems offer ten different cheap laptops. Four of them start at under $500. The Compaq Presario in the V6000Z and V6000T series are best for using office applications at home and Internet surfing. They both feature Windows XP Media Center 2005 and Windows XP Home Edition.
Compaq Presario in the V3000Z and V3000T series are great for chief computer needs like word processing, emailing, and Web browsing. They both have Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
For more information and to compare models, visit the HP website.
Sales, Discounts, and Rebates
If you find that cheap laptops are still out of your price range, there are more ways to get an even better price. Check weekly circulars for sales and clearance items. Previous models are usually heavily discounted once an updated version is available. Big sale days, like “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving), "Cyber Monday" (the Monday following Thanksgiving), and the day after Christmas often have big ticket items like laptops at a fraction of the price.
Sometimes employers offer computers to their employees through a special program with certain companies at a discounted rate. Check with human resources or your manager to find out if your company has a program in place. Other times, companies sell old equipment like laptops when they bring in new systems.
Many computer companies offer rebates on certain models of their laptops. This can significantly bring the price down, as rebates range anywhere from $50-to-$150 or more. You can also search online for different rebates offered through retail stores like Best Buy.
With so many options, finding cheap laptops is easy if you are willing to spend a little time comparison shopping. Sometimes waiting to purchase a laptop until a rebate is offered or it goes on sale is the best option, if you can hold out.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,404 times. This page was last modified 20:41, 13 December 2006.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
