I've just received my first paycheck and I'm in desperate need of a laptop. My usage will be pretty basic—mostly handling work documents, spreadsheets, web browsing, and the occasional light Zoom call. I am working with a tight budget so I'm really interested in:
- What's the lowest price I can find for a decent laptop?
- What kind of compromises should I expect when opting for a budget model (like speed, battery life, or display quality)?
Any recommendations for models would be helpful, whether they are new or used, as long as they're reliable and won't break down after a few months!
5 Answers
Look for a used business-class laptop, like Dell Latitude or Lenovo ThinkPad. They usually outperform cheap consumer models due to better build quality. Aim for at least an i5 or i7 processor and make sure it has 8GB or more of RAM; that’s crucial for smooth performance. Just steer clear of Pentium and Celeron CPUs!
For tasks like yours, a refurbished ThinkPad is a fantastic choice. They are durable, parts are easy to find, and they perform well. Look for models with 5th-9th gen Intel CPUs or even some newer Ryzen models if your budget allows. They can handle most of what you throw at them without a hitch!
You might want to check out a used ThinkPad T480 or T490 with 8th-gen processors. They're solid machines for the price and can even handle some light gaming thanks to their integrated GPU. Don’t underestimate how compact and cute they are too!
You should consider the HP EliteBook 845 with a Ryzen 8550U. It has 8 cores, 16 threads, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD for about $400 if you buy it used. Great for general tasks, and it even has nice features like a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader!
Got one recently for my son, and it looks like brand new! Totally worth it.
Buying used is definitely the way to go. Focus more on specs rather than brand. Business models will give you better power for cheaper. You can snag some good deals with dedicated GPUs for around $300 if you shop smart!
Yeah, I've had a T480 for a while now, and it's surprisingly good for some casual gaming! Definitely recommend it.