Best laptops under $500 consumer reports
Purchasing a new laptop can be a daunting task. You want to find the best one for your needs, but you also don’t want to spend a fortune. Lucky for you, there are some great laptops available for less than $500. In this blog post, we will look at some of the best options currently available and help you decide which one is right for you. So, whether you’re looking for a powerful workhorse or an affordable option for students, we have something for everyone. Keep reading to learn more!
Top 10 Best Laptops Under $500
What are laptops?
Laptops are portable computers that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are smaller and more lightweight than traditional desktop computers, making them easy to transport. Many people use laptops for work, school, or personal use.
Factors to consider before buying laptops under $500
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s both affordable and powerful, it can be tough to find one that checks all the boxes. To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, here are some factors to consider before buying laptops under $500:
Storage
If you’re planning on storing large amounts of data or downloading many files at once, then it may be worth it to spend a little extra money for a laptop with more storage space. You don’t need to go overboard—a 500GB hard drive should be more than enough for most users—but if you like having lots of options at your fingertips, then this could be an important factor in your decision-making process.
Design
The design of your laptop will greatly affect how comfortable and easy it is to use daily. You want something that will fit nicely in your handbag or backpack so that you can take it with you wherever you go! Also consider whether the keyboard has backlit keys (which makes typing easier at night) and whether there are any special features such as fingerprint readers or touch screens (these can make using certain applications more enjoyable).
Battery life
One of the most important factors to consider when buying laptops under $500 is battery life. If you plan on using your laptop while away from a power source, you will want to make sure that it can last if possible. Many people use their laptops for work and school, so they may be looking for something that lasts at least 8 hours if not more. Battery life varies based on what type of laptop you are using, so it is important to do research on the different types available before making a purchase. For example, Macs tend to have longer battery lives than Windows machines because they use different operating systems and components.
Processor:
The processor is the brain of your laptop, so it’s important to choose one that can handle your needs. If you’re only planning on using your laptop for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email, then you can probably get away with a less powerful processor. However, if you’re planning on doing more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, then you’ll need a more powerful processor to avoid performance issues.
Memory
Memory is an important factor to consider while buying laptops under $500 because it determines how much data you can store on your device at once. It also determines how fast your device will respond when running multiple applications at once. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a laptop with more memory so that you can store more data without any problems or lag time when performing tasks such as multitasking or playing games on your device.
Warranty
You want a high-quality laptop that will last you for years to come. Make sure the company offers a warranty that covers accidental damage, loss, or theft. For example, a standard warranty covers parts and labor for one year, but an extended warranty allows you to buy additional coverage at an additional cost.
Material
The materials used in the construction of your laptop make a difference in how long it will last and how well it can withstand wear and tear from everyday use. For example, aluminum is lightweight but may dent easily if dropped; plastic is also lightweight but tends not to show dents as much as aluminum does; metal cases are heavier than both plastic and aluminum but tend not to dent as easily either; while carbon fiber is lightweight but more durable than its counterparts because it doesn’t dent easily like metal or plastic might do so over time due to everyday use; however carbon fiber isn’t as strong as metal or aluminum when dropped onto hard surfaces like concrete pavement so be careful when carrying yours around outdoors where there are lots of hard surfaces.
Customer Service
Customer service can be hard to pin down when it comes to buying electronics online, so you’ll want to make sure that the company has an easy way for you to reach them if something goes wrong with your laptop after its warranty expires. If they don’t have an easy-to-find phone number or live chat system, then they probably don’t have great customer service either.
Size
The size of your laptop depends on what kind of work you’ll be doing with it. If you’re going to be typing a lot and using it for business purposes, then it’s best to get something fifteen inches or bigger so that the keys are spaced out enough for easy typing. For watching movies and playing games, however, smaller laptops are more suitable because they’re lighter and easier to use while on your lap or lying down on a couch (in case you ever want to do that).
Brand
The brand is the first thing you should consider when buying a laptop. The best brands in the market are Apple and Dell, but they cost a lot more than other brands. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, then you may want to consider Asus or Acer—they’re not as high-quality but they will get the job done.
Screen
The screen size of your laptop will also be an important factor when deciding which one to buy. The larger the screen size, then the more space there will be available for viewing content as well as working with programs such as Photoshop or Word documents. However, if you plan on taking your laptop with you on trips away from home or work then having a smaller screen might be better suited for storing inside of bags or backpacks without taking up too much space.
Keyboard and trackpad
Another thing that should be considered before purchasing any model is whether it has an adequate keyboard layout that allows users to type comfortably without causing any discomfort over time due to typing errors caused by misaligned keys. Additionally, the trackpad should also be responsive enough so that users can cursor around webpages or work with documents without any issues.
Operating system
The operating system of your laptop is also something that needs to be considered carefully since this will ultimately dictate which software programs can be installed and used on the device. If you need specific software for work or school projects, then it’s important to make sure that the laptop you choose has compatibility with those applications. The most popular operating systems for laptops are Windows and macOS, so if you have a preference then be sure to check what each model offers before making your final decision.
Build quality
Build quality refers to how well-made a laptop is and how well it will hold up over time. This includes things like how heavy it feels when holding it, how resistant it is to damage from drops or spills (or even just regular use), and whether any parts such as hinges, or screens feel loose or unstable after prolonged use. If you want something that will last through lots of abuse while still working well enough to get the job done every day (or night), then this is an important consideration.
Bloatware
Bloatware is pre-installed software that isn’t usually necessary or useful. It can take up space on your hard drive and slow down your device. If you do buy a laptop with bloatware installed, make sure to use the manufacturer’s website or another trusted resource to remove the bloatware before using your new device. This will give you more space for installing your own apps and files!
Ports and connectors:
The number and types of ports and connectors available on a laptop can be important if you plan on using it for specific tasks or with certain types of peripherals. For example, if you want to use your laptop for gaming, then you’ll need a good selection of USB ports for connecting your controllers and other devices. And if you want to use your laptop for work, then you’ll need a variety of ports for connecting to external displays, printers, and other office equipment.
Benefits of laptops under $500:
If you’re looking for a laptop under $500, there are some great benefits to consider.
First, you’ll be able to get a great deal on a laptop that has all the features you need. This is especially true if you’re willing to sacrifice a few bells and whistles to save money.
Second, most laptops under $500 are going to have good battery life and will last for several hours before needing a charge. This means that they’ll be perfect for taking on the go and can be used comfortably in places like coffee shops or libraries without having to worry about finding an outlet.
Third, most laptops under $500 are made from high-quality materials that will last for years before showing signs of wear. They’ll also be well-built so they won’t crack or break easily if dropped or bumped into something while being used at home or on the go (which happens more often than you might think).
Fourth, many laptops under $500 come with great software bundles that include things like Microsoft Office, which can save you a lot of money if you were planning on buying it separately.
Finally, most laptops under $500 have a warranty so if anything goes wrong with it during the first year or two, you’ll be covered.
Pros and Cons of laptops under $500:
Pros:
-They’re inexpensive! You can get a great deal on one of these laptops if you go with the right model.
-They’re small and portable. They’ll fit in your backpack or briefcase easily, so you can take them wherever you go.
-They don’t need much power to run smoothly. If you’re not doing anything too demanding with your computer—like editing videos or playing high-end games—these laptops will do everything you need them to do without slowing down or overheating.
Cons:
-They usually have lower specs than more expensive laptops. This means that they might not be able to handle certain tasks as well as a more powerful computer would.
-They often have shorter battery life. If you’re planning on using your laptop for long periods of time without being plugged in, you might want to consider spending a bit more to get one with a better battery.
-They can be more susceptible to damage. Because they’re smaller and lighter, laptops under $500 can be easily dropped or bumped around. If you’re worried about damaging your computer, you might want to spend a bit more to get a sturdier model.
Types of laptops under $500:
The world of laptops is quite the crowded one. With so many choices out there, it can be hard to find the right laptop for you. Fortunately, there are different types of laptops under $500 that will suit your needs.
- Chromebooks: Chromebooks are a good choice if you’re looking for something cheap and lightweight. This laptop type is usually made from plastic and has little to no storage space. It also only runs Chrome OS, which means that it doesn’t have access to most programs like Photoshop or Microsoft Office unless they’re downloaded through Google Play Store. However, Chromebooks do come with built-in cloud storage so all your files can be accessed from any device!
- Netbooks: Netbooks are small laptops that don’t have as much power as other laptops do but they do have more storage space than Chromebooks do since they run Windows instead of Chrome OS like Chromebooks do! They’re also very affordable which makes them great for students who want a laptop without breaking their budget!
- Laptops with Touchscreens: If you’d rather use touchscreens than keyboards when interacting with your computer then these laptops might be a better choice for you because they allow users to interact with their computers via touch screen instead of using a trackpad or mouse!
- 2-in-1 Laptops: These laptops can be used as both tablets and laptops, giving you the best of both worlds! They usually come with a stylus so you can use them as tablets, and they have hinges that allow you to fold them down into tablet mode. Some even come with a detachable keyboard so you don’t have to carry it around with you all the time!
- Gaming Laptops: Gaming laptops are powerful laptops that are designed for gaming. They usually have better specs than other laptops and can run games smoothly. However, they also tend to be more expensive than other laptop types.
Common mistakes when using laptops under $500
#1: Not knowing what you’re getting yourself into
If you’re going to spend money on a laptop, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting. This means doing your research and reading reviews about the product before purchasing it. If you don’t know what to look for in a laptop, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you make an informed decision.
#2: Not considering how much space you need
The size of your laptop is going to determine how much space you have for storing files and programs, as well as how portable it is. You may be tempted by smaller laptops because they’re easier to carry around and less bulky, but if you need more storage space or want a computer that can handle heavy work loads then a larger model would be better suited to your needs.
#3: Buying cheap laptops instead of buying good ones
You might think that buying an inexpensive laptop will save you money over time because it’s cheaper upfront than other models on the market today; however this isn’t always true because many cheap laptops require frequent repairs after only one year whereas more expensive brands tend to last longer without requiring any repairs at all! It’s important to factor in the long-term cost of ownership when choosing which laptop is right for you instead of just looking at the initial purchase price.
#4: Skimping on features
When you’re looking at laptops under $500, it’s important to remember that you’re not going to get all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models. This means that if you need certain features like a backlit keyboard or a fingerprint reader, you’ll likely have to sacrifice something else in order to stay within your budget. It’s important to prioritize what features are most important to you so that you don’t end up with a laptop that doesn’t suit your needs.
#5: Not taking advantage of sales and discounts
There are always sales and discounts available on laptops, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them if you’re looking to save money. Many retailers offer special deals around holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so if you know when these sales are happening you can usually get a great deal on a new laptop. You can also sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers to be alerted whenever they have a sale or promotion going on.
How to use laptops?
- To use a laptop, you must first open the lid and turn it on.
- Next, you will need to connect to the internet in order to access your favorite websites and documents. You may also want to connect a mouse or keyboard using USB ports or Bluetooth.
- Once you have connected your peripherals, open an app such as Microsoft Word or Google Chrome for web browsing.
- After opening the app of your choice, choose what type of content you want to create (text, image, video) and begin typing/clicking/dragging/etcetera according to instructions given by the program’s interface.
- Once you have finished creating your content, save it by clicking the “save” icon (usually a floppy disk or hard drive) and then close the program.
- Finally, shutdown your laptop by clicking the “power” icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen and selecting “shut down.” Wait for the laptop to turn off completely before closing the lid.
FAQs about Best laptops under $500 consumer reports:
What makes a laptop fast?
The more RAM and processor speeds you have, the faster your laptop will run. For instance, 4GB of computer memory can be compared to 2 gigabytes as it has twice as much space for programs that are running at any given moment; while a 1GHz microprocessor may not seem like much when put up against its counterpart’s (membranes), which often clock in around 3-4 GHz–but remember they’re measured differently!
What is a good laptop processor speed?
The ideal processor speed is between 3.5 and 4 GHz, but single-thread performance matters more than the overall benchmark numbers show at first glance because they’re influenced by other factors like how many cores your chip possesses or if it has hyper Threading technology which can boost both tasks running simultaneously on one core as well additional processing power when needed for certain applications so don’t write off those older systems just yet!
Conclusion – Best laptops under $500 consumer reports
If you are in the market for a new laptop and your budget is under $500, we have some great options for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best laptops under $500 that will meet your needs for work, school, or entertainment. Whether you are looking for a powerful machine with lots of storage or a lightweight option that is easy to take on the go, we have something for everyone on our list. So don’t wait any longer – check out our top picks and find the perfect laptop for you today!
I’m Ella Andrews, owner of the website https://bestconsumerstips.com/
I give you valuable information about good products to help you choose the best product.