For the best laptop experience when buying on a budget, you’ll want ample storage, RAM and processor speeds. A slow hard drive with inadequate capacity will have you frustrated about your files, apps as well as long waiting times for files and apps to load.
Amidst the good budget options, you’ll find storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB but you probably shouldn’t go below 128GB. The operating system alone will take up about 30GB, and modern apps can hog space.
Chromebooks, by and large can function well on 64GB of storage because the OS doesn’t take up as much space as Windows and others. Chromebook apps are typically smaller, and ChromeOS relies more on cloud storage than local storage. The downside is that you basically need 24/7 internet access for functionality.
Minimum Suggested Specifications
RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB
Laptop size: 11.6 to 13-inch for portability, 15-inch for screen space.
CPU: Intel Celeron N4500, Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 minimum, Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, For Intel 8th generation and up should be adequate for use on Microsoft and other operating systems.
Battery life: At least 8 to 12 hours of claimed battery life.
Storage capacity: 128GB minimum for Windows, 64GB minimum for Chromebooks.
Display resolution: 1080p minimum.
Ports: At least one USB-C and one USB-A port, plus an HDMI port if you plan to use an external monitor.
Certified Refurbished Laptops at Best Buy
Best Buy offers a wide range of services to help you enjoy the products you want to add to your home, car or person. The Geek Squad can assist you in setting up and repairing tech devices, like smartphones, smartwatches and tablets.
These laptops typically come with a 90-day warranty for parts and labor.
Shop GeekSquad Refurbished Laptops
WalMart Restored Laptops
EBAY SELLERS OF REFURBISHED LAPTOPS
ITreplay sells used, R=refurbished, closeout and obsolescent inventory on a global scale.
Laptops—both conventional and 2-in-1 laptops—that meet all the aforementioned minimum specs can be bought for under $500. If one shops around, especially if you can be patient and wait for deals, you don’t have to spend a lot for a decent laptop.
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