For our full tackle what to search for in a laptop computer, see our information on selecting the best laptop computer. Your finances is a very powerful issue, because it determines what you’ll be able to count on out of the gadget you are buying. However you need to contemplate show dimension, chassis thickness, CPU, reminiscence, storage, and port choice. Whereas acceptable specs can fluctuate wildly if you’re contemplating laptops starting from $200 to $800, there are a couple of arduous strains I do not advocate crossing.
For instance, do not buy a laptop computer if does not have a show decision of at the least 1920 x 1080. In 2025, there’s simply no excuse for something lower than that. You also needs to by no means purchase a laptop computer with out at the least 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Even in Chromebooks, these specs have gotten the brand new commonplace. You are promoting your self quick by getting something much less. One other rule is to keep away from a Home windows laptop computer with an Intel Celeron processor—go away these for Chromebooks solely.
Specs are solely half the battle although. Based mostly on our years of testing, laptop computer producers are inclined to make compromises in show high quality and touchpad high quality. You possibly can’t inform from the images or listed specs on-line, however when you get the laptop computer in your arms, you might discover that the colours of the display look a bit off or that the touchpad feels uneven to make use of. It is practically unattainable to seek out laptops beneath $500 that do not compromise in these areas, however that is the place our reviewers and testers may help.
