Continuing from our previous article about the most popular Windows 10 computers, this time we're going to explore the best cheap laptop options for those on a tight budget. If you have a good idea of what you want, buying a computer shouldn't set your personal finances on fire, and this is especially true when you see the deals available online.
Let's say you've decided to buy a new device, but you find a traditional tablet insufficient. The most logical decision is to explore the available laptop models, and which of them offers the best value for money. Now... the market presents us with everything, and if we're not careful, the investment might end up being bigger than we'd actually like. Today at NeoTeo we calculate that the magic number hovers around 400 euros, and with that value we dive headfirst into Amazon Spain to see what we find among its ranks.
ASUS X553MA
Our search begins with the best-selling laptop right now, the ASUS X553MA. The Taiwanese giant presents a platform based on the Intel Celeron N2840 processor (dual-core, 2.16 GHz), with 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, a 15.6-inch screen and a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels. It's likely that some units have Windows 8.1, but we already know that Microsoft won't hesitate to offer Windows 10. (293 euros).
ASUS X554LA
It's no coincidence that the next computer on our list is another Asus product. If the previous model interests you but you need more power in terms of hardware, you should check out the X554LA. Its appearance is identical to the X553MA, however, inside we find an Intel Core i3-5005U, which brings support for Hyper-Threading and the Intel HD 5500 graphics, more robust than the module integrated into the Celeron chip. (373 euros).
Lenovo G50-30
The Superfish incident left a huge stain on Lenovo's record, but we still can't ignore the fact that its hardware is very interesting. That brings us to the G50-30 model, which also relies on the Celeron N2840. 4 GB of RAM, half a terabyte of disk, an optical drive and a 15.6-inch screen make it a direct rival to the X553MA mentioned above. If Asus doesn't appeal to you as a brand, this is the alternative. (299 euros).
Lenovo G50-80
Why not repeat the previous formula? After all, our goal is to stay under 400 euros and get the best possible system at the same time. The Lenovo G50-80 keeps the external appearance of the previous model, but replaces the Celeron chip with a Core i3-4005U (1.7 GHz, dual-core with Hyper-Threading) and doubles the hard drive capacity to a terabyte. The difference in money? Only 90 euros, I don't think it needs much thought. (389 euros).
HP Stream 13-c016ns
A slight change of course takes us to Hewlett-Packard's territory, which continues to distribute its popular Stream line of laptops. The 13-c016ns uses a Celeron N2840 chip, its screen is 13.3 inches and the available RAM is 2 GB, but there's an important change in its internal storage, as it uses a solid-state drive with 32 GB capacity. If you need more space, the system provides access to a terabyte on OneDrive. (265 euros).
Acer Extensa 2510-35ET
To finish, a rarity. The Acer Extensa 2510-35ET shares the same processor as the previously recommended Lenovo G50-80, while RAM and hard drive are at 4 and 500 gigabytes respectively, but the most striking fact about this laptop is that it doesn't come loaded with Windows (despite the image). Acer decided to install a variant of Linux called Linpus, which opens a wide range of possibilities. In short: Install whatever you want. (315 euros).
Checkered flag for today. It's clear that the dominance of the Celeron N2840 is unquestionable among cheap laptops, but it's been a pleasant surprise to discover that you don't need much to move up to a Core i3 and get the benefits of Hyper-Threading. I hope some of these models fit your needs, and your wallet. Good luck!
