Choosing the best laptops for business and personal use
Today’s laptop market offers plenty of affordable choices, with full-size, ultraportable, or 2-in-1 convertible Windows notebooks available around the $500 mark. You can also find compact laptops, Chromebooks, and even some discounted Apple models. While budget options might not boast the latest processors, ample memory, vast storage, or high-resolution screens, they can still serve as reliable productivity tools.
The quality of inexpensive laptops has been rising, but it’s essential to prioritize what features matter most to you and what you can compromise on. Some budget laptops come with touchscreens, premium builds, HDMI ports, and stylus support. However, focus on essentials: aim for a robust processor like the Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and at least 8GB of RAM—DDR4 is common in this range. For speed, choose an SSD, ideally with 256GB or more storage space. A Full HD display will ensure clear visuals, and durable materials like metal chassis add longevity.
Don’t overlook the importance of a comfortable keyboard and a responsive touchpad. It’s wise to check reviews for cooling performance to avoid overheating issues. Consider battery life and charging speed, especially if you need portability. Ensure the laptop has the ports and connectivity options you need. Whether you prefer Windows, macOS, or Linux depends on your personal preference. Finally, think about future upgrades for RAM or storage.
Our list for this category of ‘best cheap laptops for business and personal use’
1.Dell – Latitude 15.6″ Laptop – Intel Core i5
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Model: 4MRP5
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Processor: Intel 13th Generation Core i5
- Storage: 256GB
- Memory: 16GB
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Price: $700
Latitude laptops and 2-in-1 PCs are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of multitasking with cutting-edge features. These devices integrate built-in AI for enhanced functionality, fostering intelligent collaboration, seamless connectivity, and robust security measures. They boast a high-performance processor, fast memory, and advanced thermals, ensuring optimal efficiency. Moreover, they are constructed using sustainable materials, aligning with environmental goals.
The Latitude 3540 Notebook exemplifies these qualities with its 15.6″ anti-glare display, powered by an Intel 13th Gen Core i5-1335U processor and Intel Shared graphics. Equipped with 16GB of system memory and a 256GB SSD, it excels in tasks such as web browsing and document editing. Balancing portability at 3.99 lbs and 0.80″ thinness, it includes HDMI output for expanded viewing options and supports WiFi 6 (802.11 ax) for high-speed wireless connectivity. The device features a backlit keyboard, a 3-cell battery for extended use, and is designed for durability with renewable materials.
Ideal for document storage with its 256GB SSD and complemented by 16GB of memory, the Latitude 3540 Notebook offers robust performance for basic applications. Whether for business or personal use, this laptop caters to efficiency, mobility, and sustainable practices, making it a versatile choice in today’s dynamic computing landscape.
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2.Lenovo – Yoga 7i 16″ WUXGA 2 in 1 Laptop
- Screen Size: 16 inches
- Model: 83BS0000US
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7000 Series
- Storage: 512GB
- Memory: 8GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Price: $600
Lenovo Yoga 7 is a laptop with a 16″ WUXGA display and a 2-in-1 comfort edge design. The display is great for basic document and other file viewing. It features a 60Hz ultra-bright 300 nits display with a 16:10 resolution, AMD Ryzen 5 7535U processor, AMD Radeon 660M graphics, and 8GB system memory for advanced multitasking. The Yoga 7 offers a perfect balance between portability, power, and productivity, with AMD Ryzen 5 processors for high application performance and smooth gaming experiences which is also affordable. It also features a privacy shutter for secure conversations and enhanced audio and video quality with a 1080p FHD IR camera. The 16:10 resolution is ideal for productivity tasks. The laptop also offers a picturesque screen with a high-quality color palette and photorealism enabled by Dolby Vision™. Lenovo Yoga devices come with 3 months of Xbox Game Pass, allowing users to play over 100 high-quality games.
The review of this laptop can be read on Lenovo Yoga 7i AMD Ryzen Review.
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3.ASUS – Vivobook 16″ Laptop
- Screen Size: 16 inches
- Model: M1605YA-ES52
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7000 Series
- Storage: 512GB
- Memory: 8GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Price: $500
Asus VivoBook laptops are designed to represent the individual user with top-notch performance, an ErgoLift hinge, and a NanoEdge display. These laptops feature Windows 11 Home OS, a 16″ anti-glare display, AMD Ryzen 5 processors, AMD Radeon shared graphics, 8GB system memory, and a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD). The graphics card is basic and good for all low graphic usage work.The backlit keyboard ensures easy typing in dim or dark conditions. The Vivobook 16 has AMD Ryzen™ 7000 CPU, fast memory, and speedy SSD storage, allowing for quick loading of online content making it ideal for usage for business. The ASUS Antimicrobial Guard Plus technology helps keep the laptop hygienic by inhibiting virus and bacteria growth by over 99% over a 24-hour period. The ErgoSense keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with optimum key bounce and travel. The laptop also features a physical webcam privacy shield for instant privacy. The Vivobook 16 has a 180° lay-flat hinge and fingerprint sensor for easy adjustment and secure one-touch login. ASUS Computer International is a multinational company known for its motherboards, PCs, monitors, graphics cards, and routers.
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4.HP – Pavilion 2-in-1 14″ Touch-Screen Laptop
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Model: 14-ek0073dx
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Processor: Intel 12th Generation Core i5
- Storage: 512GB
- Memory: 8GB
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Price: $700
The HP Pavilion x360 Laptop combines versatility and high performance with its 360-degree design, ideal for use in any setting. Powered by an Intel 12th Generation Core i5 processor and running Windows 11 Home in S mode, it delivers dynamic processing capabilities supported by Intel Iris Xe graphics. With a spacious 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, it offers ample storage for various office files, enhancing productivity on the go.
Featuring a 14″ diagonal FHD display and FHD IPS touchscreen, the Pavilion x360 ensures immersive visuals and intuitive interaction. It includes DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and HP Audio Boost for enhanced sound quality. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo, complemented by a wide vision HD camera for clear video conferencing.
The laptop’s portability is underscored by its 14-inch form factor, making it easy to carry. It supports HP Fast Charge, capable of reaching 50% battery in just 45 minutes, even while off. However, it may experience heating issues, despite its sequential performance gains over traditional HDDs. Overall, the HP Pavilion x360 is designed for versatility, performance, and efficiency, catering to both professional and personal computing needs.
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5.Lenovo – Ideapad 1 15.6″ Full HD Touchscreen Laptop
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Model: 82R400DTUS
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5000 Series PRO
- Storage: 512GB
- Memory: 16GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon
- Price: $900
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a compact laptop powered by AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Mobile Processors, offering responsive performance and a frameless display. It features Dolby Audio speakers, 10 hours of battery life, and a 1MP camera with a privacy shutter and Smart Noise Cancelling. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home, bringing back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introducing new features like the Edge Web browser. The 15.6″ Full HD touch screen provides high application performance and smooth gaming experiences. The laptop has 16GB system memory, 512GB solid state drive, and built-in stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for immersive audio. The laptop weighs 3.52 lbs. and measures 0.7″ thin, with a X-cell lithium-ion battery. It supports HDMI output, media reader, and wireless network connectivity. The laptop also features a built-in HD webcam with microphone for video chats or teleconferences. The basic software package includes a 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 365 and McAfee LiveSafe.
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