With school just started this fall, thousands of students, parents, and families are on the hunt for cheap new laptops in their favorite malls and big box electronics stores. The task of choosing a laptop can seem overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be. Our experts have assembled three key tips that will make the process easier for you.
Gone are the days when laptop seekers had to shell out $500 or more to have even a basic laptop. Now, you should expect to get a robust model with a 14-inch or larger display for under $450. In some cases, you may need to look online for the best deals; however, do not be deterred. The first tip from our experts is to look at the top brands that offer deals in this category. The Acer Aspire (larger than its smaller netbook cousin, the Aspire One) has a 15.6-inch screen, 1.6 GHz processor, and a respectable 3 GB of Ram.
Another recommended entry in the under $450 category of full-sized laptops comes from HP. PC maker HP ranks among the top sellers of value-priced laptops in the country. An excellent choice is the HP Compaq 515, with a 14-inch screen and slightly faster 2.2 GHz processor. The Compaq lacks slightly in terms of Ram, with its 2GB of memory capacity a third less than that of the Acer Aspire. The dual core Athlon processor powering the 515 is also something to strongly consider if HD video is important to you. Nevertheless, even if you ultimately purchase either of the Acer or HP models via the Internet, it’s important to visit a local retailer and give the keyboard a try. See which keyboard best fits your personal style. Avoid the temptation to look exclusively at processors and memory, especially if you will spend many hours typing.
Our computer experts have shown that you can find laptops on sale from many online retailers. It is possible to own a quality Acer or HP laptop for under $450, with some merchants offering deep discounts. Both units have acceptable stats, but you should be sure to choose the model that fits your typing style and offers maximum ergonomic comfort.
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