Value / Budget
Laptops in this category are usually popular among students and users with limited funds, who need something more powerful than the average netbook. Budget notebooks offer a good blend of price, features and portability. These commonly equip 14 or 15-in displays, integrated graphics, full-sized keyboards, and all the essential connectivity options.
For around $600 you can expect to find an Intel Core i3, Pentium or AMD E-Series processor with integrated graphics, 2GB to 4GB of RAM, a 320GB or larger hard drive, a DVD burner, and around 4 hours of battery life.
Toshiba Satellite L655-S5161
A second-generation Core i3 processor gives the Satellite L655 strong overall performance, decent graphics, and good battery life for a relatively low price. This 15-inch system is a good entry point for midsize laptops and can be found for just under $700, making it a worthwhile budget choice. Its connectivity options are on the bare bones side, as it doesn't have Bluetooth, USB 3.0, or eSATA. It does, however, offer 802.11n Wi-Fi, three USB 2.0 ports, an SD card reader, HDMI and a DVD drive.
Additional views:
Quick specs | Full specs | Starting price: $699 |
Processor: Intel Core i3 2310M 2.1GHz | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics |
Memory: 4GB DDR3 1333MHz memory | Storage: 500GB 5,400RPM HDD |
Display size: 15.6" (1366x768) | Optical: DVD SuperMulti |
Weight: 5.5 lb | Battery: 6-cell (~4.5 hours) |
Samsung RV511
This 15-inch notebook has plenty to offer for its $550 price tag: a stylish design, Core i3 processor, 6GB of RAM, a dedicated graphics card, a 500GB hard drive and good build quality. In terms of ports you'll find two USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, headphone and microphone jacks, and a card reader joining the power jack on the RV511-A01's left edge. The DVD burner and another USB 2.0 port can be found on the right.
Additional views:
Quick specs | Full specs | Starting price: $550 |
Processor: Intel Core i3 380M 2.53GHz | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics |
Memory: 4GB DDR3 (2 DIMMs) | Storage: 500GB HDD |
Display size: 15.6" (1366×768) | Optical: DVD SuperMulti |
Weight: 5.3 lbs | Battery: 6-cell (~4.5 hours) |
HP Pavilion G6x
The HP Pavilion g6x offers a snappy Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and roomy 500GB hard drive. It has a sturdy, attractive design with a comfortable keyboard and offers really solid performance for the everyday user without having to spend a lot of money. Its SRS Labs stereo speakers sound surprisingly good for a budget notebook.
This 15-inch budget notebook packs a DVD drive and a decent array of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, HDMI, a media card reader and three USB 2.0 ports. You can get the G6x in an assortment of colors such as charcoal grey, pacific blue, sonoma red and others.
Additional views:
Quick specs | Full specs | Starting price: $450 |
Processor: Intel Core i3 370M 2.4GHz | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics |
Memory: 4GB DDR3 (2 DIMMs) | Storage: 500GB HDD |
Display size: 15.6" (1366×768) | Optical: DVD SuperMulti |
Weight: 5.5 lbs | Battery: 6-cell (~4.5 hours) |
MSI CR650 This 15-inch (1366x768) system is powered by AMD's E-350 APU and 3GB of RAM, which should offer plenty of performance for standard usage and remain light on power consumption with an 18W TDP. Price range: $470 |