I'm on the hunt for an inexpensive laptop that I can use for basic tasks like word processing and light internet browsing, such as doing research on Wikipedia. I'm currently working on three different novels, and my old desktop from school is too stationary. I'd love to be able to sit in bed and type on something more comfortable than my phone. I'm open to buying used but not sure what models or features I should prioritize or avoid.
4 Answers
The best bet is to find the cheapest laptop that comes with an SSD. Those tend to have modern specifications that are sufficient for your needs. Just make sure you're looking at second-hand prices since they really vary based on where you live. What's your budget looking like? You didn’t mention that part!
Consider checking out the Lenovo ThinkPad T models, especially the T14 Gen 2. They’re known for being cheap and reliable, plus you can often find good second-hand deals. If you're trying to stick to an even thinner budget, older models like the T490 or T480 also work well and are quite dependable.
I bought a 2019 HP 14s for around $500 back in 2020, which had an AMD A4 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD. I’d bet you could find something similar or even cheaper these days. Laptops are becoming more affordable, sometimes even less than a high-end smartphone!
Check out eBay; I've snagged some great deals there. I got a Dell 5290 with an 8th gen i5 for just $100 and another with an 11th gen i5 for $200. These business models often flood the market because companies sell them off-lease, so you can get a lot of power for a little cash! Just ensure they are compatible with Windows 11.
I’m open to used, and since I’m in rural Arizona, my options are limited to Walmart or online. Ideally, I want to keep it under $100 if that’s feasible.