13 Finest Low-cost Laptops (2024): Our Picks for $800 or Much less

For our full tackle what to search for in a laptop computer, see our information Selecting the Proper Laptop computer. The condensed model (even when your price range is restricted) is to attempt to get at the least an Intel i5 processor and at the least 8 GB of RAM. 16 GB is even higher. Current variations of Home windows (each 10 and 11) use an astronomical quantity of RAM (typically as a lot as 6 GB in my testing). For those who solely have 8 GB whole, that does not go away a lot RAM for purposes, and ends in a slower laptop computer.

Intention for these specs: Attempt to get a laptop computer with at the least a Tenth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage within the type of a strong state drive. We recommend getting a 13- or 14-inch show that is near FHD (1080p decision). If you are going to use it for watching films, take into account a 2-in-1 mannequin (though these do are inclined to value extra). In case your price range is tight and also you need probably the most bang to your buck, otherwise you simply wish to preserve one thing out of the landfill, take into account the used or refurbished laptop computer market. I’ve had nice luck shopping for used laptops on eBay from all kinds of sellers (each execs and common folks).

To attain the most effective deal, be sure to know the market. Do a little analysis to determine what sort of machine will fit your wants. The best to come back by, and subsequently (normally) the most effective offers, are typically the extra boring, business-oriented fashions. I occur to love ThinkPads, that are utilized by—after which dumped suddenly by—massive companies, which suggests there are heaps to select from, and so they’re low cost.

Discovering used laptops on eBay: As soon as you recognize what you need, seek for it on eBay. Scroll down and verify the choice to indicate solely “Offered Listings.” Now take the ten most up-to-date gross sales, add up the costs, and divide by 10. That is the typical value; do not pay greater than that. Hold the bottom value in thoughts—that is the nice deal value. Now, uncheck the Offered Itemizing choice. See what’s between the bottom value and the typical value. These are the offers you may take into account. I counsel watching just a few. Do not bid or take part in any respect. Simply watch them till the tip and see how excessive the auctions find yourself going.

After you have a really feel for the market and what you have to be paying, you will know if you’ve discovered a deal. Once you discover it, wait. Do not bid till the previous few minutes of the public sale. You do not need different bidders to have an opportunity to react. Keep in mind that for those who miss out on one thing, it isn’t the tip of the world. There’s all the time one thing new being listed on eBay.