Budget Notebooks

These days, being on a budget notebook doesn’t mean settling for a subpar system. You can still get plenty of power and features—including dual-core CPUs and 15.4-inch widescreens—without dropping a lot of coin. Budget notebooks start as low as $379, but you can get a lot more for your money if you’re willing to pay between $499 and $599.

A budget notebook is appropriate for any user with fundamental computing needs: Web surfing, e-mail, productivity apps, and basic multimedia. A budget model could work for a family (especially as a second PC), a student (as long as their multimedia desires are modest), and even a business person (who doesn’t have advanced durability or security needs).

View our Video Guide | View top budget notebooks >> 

What Can You Expect From a Budget Notebook?

• Processor: At the lowest end of the price continuum, you can get a single-core Celeron processor, but we say step up to dual-core Intel Pentium CPU, or an AMD Athlon X2. You may also start to see Intel CULV (consumer ultra-low voltage) CPUs in this price range. You’ll have to pay more for faster Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD Turion X2 processors.
  
  
• RAM: Most budget models will come with 2 or 3GB of RAM, which is more than adequate for Windows Vista (and the upcoming Windows 7).
  
  
• Display: While most budget systems have 14- to 15-inch screens, occasionally 13-, 16-, or 17-inch models can be found in this price range. A bright panel with a 1280 x 800 or 1366 x 768 resolution is now standard issue, even for budget models.
  
  
• Hard Drive: Budget systems typically come with 250 or 320GB of storage, which is plenty of room for typical data documents, and even decent-sized music and photo collections.
  
  
• Optical Drive: Most systems have DVD burners. However, a few newer models, like the $599 Acer Timeline 3810t, have no optical drive at all.
  
  
• Battery: Don’t expect all-day computing from a bargain notebook. Most systems in this price range last less than four hours on a charge, some less than three hours.
  
  
• Chunky Chassis: If you’re looking for a super-light system to throw in your purse, you won’t find it in a budget notebook; systems in this category are fairly thick, and typically weigh well over 5 pounds.

Buying Tips for Budget Notebooks

• Get a configuration with no less than 3GB of RAM: Almost every model these days comes with at least 3GB. Don’t settle for less.
  
  
• Go with 13- or 14-inch screens for portability: If you plan to carry your notebook anywhere, even to the couch, we recommend a smaller screen and lighter chassis.
  
  
• Spring for higher-capacity batteries: If you have a choice and endurance matters to you, get a battery with at least six cells.
  
  
• Get a memory card reader: Make sure your notebook includes a memory card reader that can accept the same cards as your digital camera.
  
  
• HDMI is a plus: You don’t need to be a high-def movie buff to benefit from HDMI connectivity. This port carries audio and video via a single cable to the latest large-screen monitors and HDTVs, making it a good choice for home and office use.
  
  
• Surf faster with 802.11n Wi-Fi: Even budget notebooks come with built-in Wi-Fi—usually 801.11b/g. But you can future-proof your purchase by stepping up to 802.11n, as your next router will likely be of this faster variety, and it’s becoming the standard for next-gen consumer electronics.

Watch: Budget Notebook Video Buyer's Guide >>