I had the pleasure recently of needing to buy a new laptop. Like most of you, I am on a limited budget for what I would consider non-essential items, like computers, where housing, food, clothing is essential. Being price conscious, I started looking for affordable laptops, which would meet my needs.
Knowing Macs and high-end business level laptops would cost $1,000’s, I steered by course away from these high-end items.
Since I use my laptop for writing, along with “surfing-the-web” and email. I needed a laptop that would function well, but not break the bank. I hope by writing this, I can save you some time, and maybe some expense when you are searching for your next laptop.
So, my search into the world of affordable laptops began.
What do I need from my new laptop?
I started by identifying what I need a laptop for. Being an entrepreneur running a small blogging site. I needed a laptop which could handle multi-tasking. Be responsive enough, as to not bog down when processing. Being able to write, while researching content is important to me.
Like almost everyone with any type of computer, tablet, phone. I need the ability to receive, read, and respond to emails.
I also search videos for content, so the need to stream videos is important.
I work with multiple screens, so the laptop would need to have an output for connecting an external monitor. I prefer using an HDMI cable. This cable, which all new TVs have, allows for higher resolution than the normal “pin” type connector.
Because I store pictures, videos, and business documents. I require a decent amount of storage.
How to find an affordable laptop which will meet my needs?
OK, I identified what I need. A laptop that does not cost 1,000’s of dollars. Has a good processor. Able to work on multiple programs simultaneously, while searching the web. Decent screen resolution, and able to connect up a second monitor. Has enough storage to house my important documents. All again for an affordable price tag. Not a big deal – right?
So where does one start? Like most people, the internet. I put in some initial search criteria. In my case affordability was the primary driver. I typed the keyword “affordable laptops” in the search bar. I got 713 million returns in 57 seconds. This was not going to be as easy as I thought.
Of course, the first page were the normal players. Amazon, Best Buy. Direct buy from the computer manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, HP. I opened a few of the links and behold they presented options costing in the “low” $1,000’s.
I turned my attention back to my search results. Figured would look at reviews. Now that is fun. There are a lot of reviews, like anything you search for. I focused on the review companies I know.
Looking at CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-budget-laptop-under-500/,
Laptop Magazine: https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/best-laptops-under-500,
digital trend: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-budget-laptops/
I looked at the features and functionality of contenders.
What did I Purchase?
I used the comparison guides which these sites provided. Looked at match up of processors, screen resolution, additional functionality and add-ons.
I also looked where I was going to purchase from. I wanted to use a store that I knew had a reputation for providing quality, service and support.
In the end, for my needs I chose a Hewlett Packard Laptop. I chose a big box store that I trust.
So why trust what I say.
Let me tell you a little about myself, so this article may make more sense. I have been in the Information Technology field for 30 years. I have a degree in Information Technology. I lead large-scale $30-million-dollar programs putting in high-end systems for government agencies. I understand computers, but I also know that all the technical jargon can be confusing. Things in the computer field are always changing. Even the experts I worked with need to refresh their knowledge with “what is new” in the market.
Also, like you, being part of the senior ranks in life, I know the value of our money. Costs of computer hardware have decreased to a point that used to cost $2,000 or$ 3,000 just a few years ago. Now it costs $400 to $800.
Do your homework.
Define what you need a laptop for. Establish a budget, so in order not to over-buy. With some diligence, and not buying into the marketing ploys of the online sellers or newspaper ads. You can find an affordable laptop that will meet your needs.
Disclaimer:
SeniorsNews.org is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment or any type of professional advisor. Its articles, interactive tools and other content are provided to you for free, for informational purposes only.
SeniorsNews.org does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. Examples are opinions of the authors, and we encourage you to seek advice from qualified professionals regarding specific issues.
SeniorsNews.org believes everyone should be able to make decisions with confidence. We’re proud that the information and tools we provide are objective, independent, straightforward.
