13 Best Cheap Laptops (2024): Our Picks for $800 or Less

For our full tackle what to search for in a laptop computer, see our information Choosing the Right Laptop. The condensed model (even when your finances is proscribed) is to attempt to get not less than an Intel i5 processor and not less than 8 GB of RAM. 16 GB is even higher. Latest variations of Home windows (each 10 and 11) use an astronomical quantity of RAM (typically as a lot as 6 GB in my testing). In case you solely have 8 GB whole, that does not go away a lot RAM for functions, and ends in a slower laptop computer.

Purpose for these specs: Attempt to get a laptop computer with not less than a Tenth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage within the type of a stable state drive. We propose getting a 13- or 14-inch show that is near FHD (1080p decision). If you are going to use it for watching motion pictures, take into account a 2-in-1 mannequin (though these do are inclined to value extra). In case your finances is tight and also you need probably the most bang in 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 professionals and common folks).

To attain the perfect deal, be sure you know the market. Do a little analysis to determine what sort of machine will fit your wants. The best to return by, and due to this fact (often) the perfect offers, are typically the extra boring, business-oriented fashions. I occur to love ThinkPads, that are utilized by—after which dumped unexpectedly by—massive firms, which implies there are tons to select from, they usually’re low cost.

Finding used laptops on eBay: As soon as what you need, seek for it on eBay. Scroll down and test the choice to indicate solely “Bought 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 Bought Itemizing choice. See what’s between the bottom value and the typical value. These are the offers you’ll be able to 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 getting a really feel for the market and what try to be paying, you may know whenever you’ve discovered a deal. Whenever you discover it, wait. Do not bid till the previous couple of minutes of the public sale. You do not need different bidders to have an opportunity to react. Do not forget that should you 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.