Affordable Laptops for Every User Needs
This article explores the latest trends in laptop sales, highlighting the rising demand for budget-friendly models and declining mid-range options. It offers practical advice on when to update your device and presents five top laptop picks across different price ranges, emphasizing features, advantages, and drawbacks to help consumers make informed decisions.
Affordable laptops suitable for all purposes
While smartphones have replaced many functions of traditional laptops in both personal and professional spheres, laptops still excel in certain tasks that mobile devices can't handle. Their reliability makes them indispensable for many users. Despite changes in the market, laptop sales continue to grow.
Rise in sales of budget-friendly laptops: Data from The NPD Group, Inc reveals that sales of laptops priced under $300 increased by 19%, indicating a growing demand for affordable options.
Decline in mid-range laptop sales: The same report shows that high-end laptops above $700 saw a modest 4% decrease, while mid-range models experienced a significant 19% drop. Consumers seem to prefer either budget devices or premium, multifunctional laptops, leaving mid-tier options less popular. These middle-ground models are perceived as either too limited or overly complex for their price point.
When to consider purchasing a new laptop: The ideal time to upgrade is when your current device fails or becomes unreliable, such as when encountering a blue screen error.
Doing thorough research beforehand helps in selecting the best laptop. Here are five options worth considering:
HP Spectre x360
Starting at $1049.99
Processor: Intel Core i5
Battery: 10 hours
Size: 12.79 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 3.26 pounds
Pros: Long-lasting battery, stylish design
Cons: Gets warm quickly, less comfortable as a tablet
Lenovo ThinkPad T470
Starting at $873
Processor: Intel Core i7
Battery: 17 hours
Size: 14 inches
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Pros: Excellent battery life, Thunderbolt 3 port, durable keyboard
Cons: Dull display, quiet audio quality
Asus Zenbook UX330UA
Starting at $699
Processor: Intel Core i5-7200U
OS: Windows 10 Home
Battery: 10 hours
Size: 12.7 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Pros: Budget-friendly, reliable battery, good sound
Cons: Uncomfortable touchpad, USB-C charging not supported
Asus ChromeBook Flip C302CA
Starting at $499
Processor: Intel Core m3 6Y30
Battery: 9 hours
Size: 11.9 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 2.6 pounds
Pros: Fast performance, 1080p display, affordable
Cons: Lacks USB-A ports
Dell XPS 15
Starting at $999.99
Processor: Intel Core i7
Battery: All-day use
Size: 14.6 x 9.27 x 0.45 inches
Weight: 4.6 pounds
Pros: Strong performance, good battery life
Cons: Webcam quality could improve
