Searching for the most affordable laptop doesn't mean that you have to skip on features and overall quality. Making a list of the features you need will enable you to find laptops that meet your criteria without purchasing an excess of useless features. Affordable laptops are easy to find; you simply have to know how and where to look.
Significance
Purchasing an affordable laptop not only means that you can obtain portable computing power, but that you don't have to increase your debt to do so. Laptops are currently being produced that have a higher processor speed and larger hard drives for a deeply discounted price. The major benefit of affordable laptops is that you can obtain the computing power you need without having to spend thousands of dollars to receive it.
Types
Affordable laptops are evaluated according to three main elements: processor speed, hard-drive space and portability. The ideal processor speed will vary depending on how you plan to use your laptop. The AMD Mobile Athlon XP-M processor is cheaper to make, but still boasts fast processing speeds. Another fast yet cost-effective laptop processor is the Mobile Intel Celeron Processor. With its 2.4GHz of power, you will be able to perform daily computer tasks at a decent speed, and this processor will keep the overall price of your laptop low.
The total amount of hard-drive space a laptop carries is also a determining factor of the final price. On average, laptops use hard drives with 4200 RPM. The average hard-drive space for a laptop is 60GB, while some have larger capacities and reach up to 120GB. Affordable laptops will range from 60GB to 80GB of storage space.
Ultimately, laptops are purchased for their portability. The overall size and weight of a laptop will make the price tag higher or lower. The average size of an affordable laptop is 15 inches, with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768. While the resolution can be as high as 1600 x 1200, the higher the screen resolution, the higher the price.
Time Frame
The price you pay for a laptop depends on the season in which you purchase it. You may want to wait until the holidays are close at hand, as prices will be dramatically reduced for holiday sales.
Keep your eyes out for newer models that are being released. Once a new laptop model has been marketed, the older versions will experience a price cut, normally by a certain percentage determined by the manufacturer. Periodically check manufacturers' and retailers' websites for new releases, normally at the beginning of a new season (fall, winter, spring or summer).
Features
The basic properties of a laptop can be altered to adjust the overall price. If you need a laptop for school or work, purchasing one with minimal hard-drive space and a standard processor, such as the Intel Celeron Processor, will be fine. Laptops that come with standard features--such as a 60GB hard drive, a standard video and sound card and a 12-to-15-inch screen--will allow you to save money.
Misconceptions
Affordable laptops have been thought to be slow, unreliable and basically a waste of money. While this may have been true several years ago, the market for affordable laptops has grown dramatically. There are many laptops selling for $400 and under that have adequate processors, hard drives and portability.
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