Cheap Laptops - No, REALLY cheap

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>So, I'm looking for a laptop for college, and my budget is REALLY limited. I'm talking <$350, $400 max, and that's stretching it. I've searched past threads for info on this, but really all I'm seeing is things around $600+, which are out of my range. </p>

<p>I kind of wanted opinions. Should I go netbook, with no subscription? Or just really cheap laptop? I don't like the idea of netbook, but I could work with it, since my school has computer labs all about that I could use for more intensive things, although they have limited hours, which is why I would prefer my own laptop.</p>

<p>I saw this at Best Buy (yeah, I know there are other options out there), and thought about it.</p>

<p>Toshiba</a> - Satellite Laptop / Intel® Celeron® Processor / 15.6" Display / 2GB Memory / 250GB Hard Drive - Black - C655-S5049</p>

<p>Is that a decent laptop? It has good reviews, so it seems fine, but I don't know. It's a Toshiba, which I think is in general a decent brand (I've avoided Acer, as per recommendation), and it doesn't seem like a fantastic laptop, but it seems good enough.</p>

<p>I'm really lost as what route to go, and what to look for. I'm not a gamer, not a programmer, I just need a pretty basic laptop to take notes, do homework, and fart around on, that will hopefully last a few years.</p>

<p>I've checked around on Newegg, too, but haven't seen a deal in my price, yet.</p>

<p>Thanks for any help. I know you guys seem to be bombarded with "What laptop?!" threads, but hopefully this one isn't too similar.</p>

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<p>Staples and Best Buy advertise Compaq machines with 15.5" screens periodically for around $350.</p>

<p>Bought one myself last summer to use when traveling. So far, so good. Even got a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it came out last fall.</p>

<p>Was going to buy a netbook, but got a full size machine for the same price.</p>

<p>Compaq is nothing more than an HP machine with a different name on it.</p>

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<p>Thanks! Yeah, I know about Compaqs, and we had a Compaq desktop that did us well, so I’m not opposed to them, and I would totally get one again. Wal Mart has had a few around that price, and I could get a discount, so that’s an option, but the more I look at this Toshiba, the more I like it. </p>

<p>I try not to eliminate things by brand name, especially since in my price range I can’t afford to be picky, but I’ve been told countless times to never do Acer. Ever. :P</p>

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<p>What’s your predicted major? If you’re going to be doing a LOT of writing then I’d suggest NOT to get a netbook. If you’re going into the sciences (esp engineering) I’ve heard that pen+paper are better for notes anyway so you’d be able to get by with a netbook. I have an Acer Aspire 1 that I love, it’s about 10in so it’s small, but not the smallest (i found the Eee to be unusuable because it was so tiny). I don’t know where you heard to not buy an Acer but I extensively researched before buying a netbook and the Acer overall got the best reviews (along with the Eee). So i wouldn’t write it off completely… I’m very happy with mine :). Granted my primary laptop is a 15 in mac…</p>

<p>Look into companies/businesses that offer student discounts. Windows 7 OS should also be super cheap with a student discount.</p>

<p>Sorry this wasn’t particularly helpful…</p>

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<p>One thing about the Toshiba:</p>

<p>It’s a single core processor, right? I’ve always heard dual-core is better than single core, especially for multi-taksing, but will it impact performance too much? Based on reviews, others don’t seem to be having a problem with it, but if you’ll pardon my ignorance, I just want some more educated opinions. Thanks! :)</p>

<p>Also, to gc414: I’m an English major, so I’ll *probably *be doing tons of writing, and yes, that’s one thing I noticed about their keyboards is that they’re a bit tight to type on! lol </p>

<p>Thanks gc414! It was helpful.</p>

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<p>Quick question, what’s the problem with Acer laptops? I’ve been using one for a little over a year and I haven’t had any problems with it. </p>

<p>As for the single core vs dual-core, I doubt you’ll notice a big difference if you’re just going “to take notes, do homework, and fart around on, that will hopefully last a few years.” I think that laptop will suit your needs and will fit your budget nicely.</p>

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<p>I’m not gonna lie, I’m just going on word of mouth and reviews. Lots of reviews. I’ve heard a lot of questioning and negative comments regarding of their build quality. I’m judging too harshly based on brand, I know, when there’s really no reason to. If I found one I liked, I’d take it, for sure though.</p>

<p>Thanks Carried!</p>

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<p>When I was in high school I got a Dell Inspiron from their outlet. It was about $400 and lasted me 3 years. It’s still going strong, but I decided to upgrade. I’d definitely look into Dell (or any other company really)'s refurbished models. It had no scratches or anything wrong with it, and it had the same warranty. In your case I’d advise against a netbook. You’d probably get frustrated pretty quickly.</p>

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<p>India now has a $35 laptop. ^__^</p>

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<p>I suggest you look into a higher-end netbook. Chances are, it’ll be more than sufficient for most of your activities.</p>

<p>Relatively speaking, it’s low-powered, but it’s like saying that a Honda Civic is less powerful than a Ford F-250. If your tasks only involve getting yourself from point A to point B, they perform similarly (not considering costs, parking, etc.)</p>

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<p>haha astyle you beat me to it. I as going to mention that. But the operating system will cost him more than the laptop itself.</p>

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<p>Why don’t you look for a used laptop? If your main use is going to be writing and taking notes, you would do fine with one that’s several years old.</p>

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<p>Look around online for coupons. You can find a ton for HP. I got $450 off on a laptop that had a base price of $750, so that knocks it straight into your budget.</p>

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<p>Definetly avoid any laptop that contains an intel celeron processor as they overheat quickly. Toshibadirect.com offers refurbished notebooks for very manageable prices and some even contain 4 gb of ram lol</p>

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<p>ok, don’t get the cheapest laptop out there. If your $300 laptop dies in 1 year then that’s a waste of your investment. The battery might die- like my dad’s cheap dell. 2 times it died so he had to buy a total of $200 worth of batteries! The hard drive might fail- $50 and all your documents.</p>

<p>Get a minimum $400 base priced laptop seriously. Try to get a dual core. AMD Athlons or Intel Core 2 duos can both work. AMD laptops are always $100-$200 cheaper than Intels. And, you WILL feel the difference between single and dual core. Not to say that you need the fastest processor… personally it pains me when my computer lags out when I’m doing homework.</p>

<p>Coupons are a must need. Dell has a 25% off every laptop RIGHT NOW!
HP has 25% off about every 1 or 2 months.</p>

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<p>If you can afford not to, please don’t get a Compaq. I got one and the battery lasted a total of one hour. Or less. I had to bring the charger to classes. The monitor broke, and it got so hot I seriously am surprised the house didn’t catch fire.</p>

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<p>OP- I just bought that one today! I really like it so far - for $370 with tax, it was a very good deal. :D</p>