Best Budget Laptop PCs
Prices for notebook computers keep falling thanks to advances in mobile computing technology. The capabilities of today's budget systems are frankly quite good compared to what they were just a year ago. Dual core processors are now standard and hard drive sizes keep getting bigger. Add to this the latest technology introductions by Intel into the mobile market and more technology is drifting into the lower cost computers. Netbooks may be less expensive, but they also lack the features and capabilities of a budget laptop. So, what exactly can one get for under $750? Find out in my selections for the best budget laptops current available
Understanding Laptop Networking
One of the major goals for those purchasing a laptop PC is the ability to connect to the internet from just about anywhere. This makes the networking features an important aspect when selecting a laptop computer. So, how exactly does one know what networking features are in a laptop? This article looks to explain the basics of PC networking that one can find to help them select the laptop that is right for them.
Toshiba's Low Cost AMD Laptop
Image Courtesy Toshiba
Toshiba's Satellite is probably one of the oldest laptop product names around. It has gone through a variety of different price ranges and configurations. The company now has a new budget oriented product with the L305 models. To confuse things up a bit, Toshiba offers configurations with Intel and AMD processors. They big way to tell the difference is by the model name. If it uses the L305D name, it features an AMD processor and likely a lower price tag. Find out more about Toshiba's new AMD based budget laptop in my latest review.
ABS Computers Support Profile
Always Better Service is what the ABS Computers name stands for. The company primarily focused on producing high performance computers. This used to include laptops in addition to desktops, but they have since discontinued their laptop lineup. At this point, they are pretty much just focused on building gaming desktop PCs. The real question is, does ABS live up to their namesake motto? Find out what ABS offers its customers in need of assistance with their PCs in my latest profile.
Included in the profile I list the various avenues that users have for support, tips and advice. In addition, I’m posting a survey below and in the profile asking users for their opinion of ABS. If you have used their support and would like to let others know of their experiences for better or worse, please feel free to post them in the comments.
How would you rate ABS Computers' support?
The Last of Sony's Budget Laptops?
Image Courtesy Sony
Sony is not a company that is associated with low cost laptop computers. Thus it was kind of surprising when they released the NR series of budget laptops. While they still tended to be on the more expensive side, they did offer users a stylish selection of laptops in the lower price ranges. Now it seems that Sony is retiring the NR series for a new and larger NS lineup. Find out in my review what Sony has to offer in their last VAIO NR laptop offering.
High Quality, Low Cost Business Laptop
Image Courtesy Lenovo
The ThinkPad series of laptops has long been designed as solid laptop computers to be used in a business environment. They have some of the best construction and keyboards on the market. The big problem is that they can get quite expensive since they are built for corporations rather than consumers. Still, the ThinkPad R series has been an affordable alternative. The new ThinkPad R500 has been released and has some amazing features, but also some severe limitations in order to be under $750. Find out more in my review.
A Low Cost Lenovo Laptop With DDR3 Memory
Image Courtesy Lenovo
With Intel's release of the Intel GM45 chipset, it was now possible to get laptops that could use faster DDR3 memory. Due to the costs of implementing this, many companies have opted to use slower DDR2 memory on budget oriented laptops. Lenovo has decided to go against this trend with the new IdeaPad Y530 laptop. Find out in my review what other features the new chipset brings to this low cost laptop and what sacrifices must be made to include them.
HP's Budget Oriented Pavilion Laptop
Image Courtesy HP Inc.
HP's Pavilion consumer laptops have been around for a long time. With the Compaq brand still being maintained by HP as a budget oriented product, HP has generally kept their Pavilion systems as more expensive, more feature packed systems. They still do offer a few models that can be found for under $750 though. The Pavilion dv6910us is one such model that uses a 15.4-inch screen and an AMD platform. So, how does it fair against other budget laptops? Find out in my review.
Computer Deal of the Week
Image Courtesy Acer
Many people are looking to get a laptop for a few basic uses: internet, word processing and maybe viewing a DVD while traveling. For these peple, even the most basic of laptops will fill their needs. Best Buy has an offer on a Acer Aspire AS735-4624 for just $400 after discounts. The system does use an older 32-bit Pentium Dual Core T3200, but that shouldn't be an issue for the tasks mentioned. It also features 2GB of DDR2 memory, 160G hard drive, dual layer DVD, 802.11a/g/n wireless, 15.6-inch display and Intel GMA X4500 graphics.
Disclaimer: All deals are those advertised by the retailer in question and may have rebates or other conditions of purchase for the products. Please be sure to read all disclaimers from the seller before purchasing.
Dell's Low Cost Notebook PC
Image Courtesy Dell
Dell's Inspiron 1525 has been on the market for a very long time now. The system has been relegated more and more towards the budget market, especially through various retailers. A wide range of preconfigured models can be found at the likes of Best Buy, Costco and Wal-Mart. So, can this venerable laptop from Dell compete with the various new offerings from its competitors? Find out in my updated review.