Need a new laptop? Don’t want to shell out a thousand dollars?
Fortunately, you can get all the power and functionality you need for an affordable price. If you're a young professional, or recent graduate, your main needs will likely be a convenient device for typing Word documents, putting together presentations, keeping track of the photos that won't fit on your overcrowded phone and watching Netflix on weekday evenings.
» MORE: Which meal kit delivery service is right for you? Comparing Blue Apron, Hello Fresh and 8 more
Although these tasks are fairly straightforward, making sure you have the right device will make your life so much more convenient. From speed, to screen resolution and storage space, these laptops will check all the important boxes without breaking the bank.
1. Lenovo Ideapad 120S
Sure, the price tag may be be low, but the Ideapad 120S definitely boasts a premium look. Different color choices are available as well, allowing you to customize your laptop to your personal style. Beyond the outward aesthetics, the Ideapad has great graphics, running the Intel HD 500 chip which powers the 1,366 x 768 TN display. It's also built for power with adequate storage space, packing an Intel Celeron N3350 processor running at 1.1GHz (turbo 2.4GHz), 2-4GB of memory and 64GB of flash storage. And on top of that, the battery lasts 8.5 hours.
Available in either 11-inch or 14-inch, you can choose between a more compact option, or one more suited to your late-night Netflix addiction. Buy it here for $249.99.
2. Acer Aspire 1
With the a 1080p display, this laptop is perfect for watching all your favorite movies and shows after work. Although it's a bit short on hard-drive space (32 GB), it makes up for that with speed and portability. With a seven hour battery and sporting an Intel Celeron N3450 quad-core CPU with 4GB of memory, the Aspire 1 will easily handle all your professional and leisure needs without setting you back unncessarily.
Buy it here for $269.99.
» MORE: Google, Amazon or Apple: Which home automation system is right for you?
3. Samsung Chromebook 3
This is definitely one of the most affordable laptops out there. Despite the low price, it doesn't compromise on performance. Running with an Intel Celeron N3060 processor with 4GB of memory, 32GB of storage and 11.6-inch screen with a resolution of 1,366 x 768, you can definitely save some money without regretting it later. This laptop is also very portable, weighing less than 2.5 pounds. And did we mention the 11 hour battery life?
Buy it here for $219.99.
4. Lenovo Flex 11 Chromebook
Of course, you can't go wrong with Lenovo. Rated by consumers as the best laptop brand, the Flex 11 Chromebook is no exception. With a 10-hour battery life and flexible functionality, allowing you to use it as a laptop or a tablet, it's the perfect device for your professional and personal needs. Packing a MTK 8173C Processor ( 2.10GHz ), 4GB of memory, and 32GB of storage, you won't regret the purchase, especially for such an affordable price.
Buy it here for $269.99.
5. Dell Inspiron 11 3000
Although we saved the lowest price for last, that doesn't mean this isn't a worthwhile purchase. With an Intel Celeron Processor N3060 (2M Cache, up to 2.48 GH), 2GB of memory and 32GB of storage, the Inspiron 11 3000's specs aren't that much different than its competitors on this list. But for someone always on the go, this laptop's battery life can last up to 13 hours.
Buy it here for $179.99.
The AJC may receive a commission for purchases made through some links in this article.
