Laptop Buying Guide

Best Laptops Under 500 Dollars 2016

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Do you want to buy a new laptop but feel confused by huge variety of options?
In the Buying Guide section, I will help you to choose the best one. Keep reading to find out the best laptops under 500 dollars 2016.

Although tablets rushed into the laptops market for a short time, users realized soon that tablets can’t replace laptops. Still most people prefer to buy a laptop for higher productivity and more powerful hardware. There are too many names into laptop market, but among them, there are brands and companies which have gained people’s trust. In other words, there are well-known and respected brands. Companies such as Apple, Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer and Asus make very good laptops. But even the laptops produced by these companies can be divided into groups as well.

Our choice becomes harder when we have to choose between student or budget laptops, touch-screen laptops, gaming, multimedia and ultrabook models. Usually, there are Lenovo products almost in any price range as this Chinese company has a great variety of products. In this guide, my goal is to introduce the best laptops available in the market from different brands as well as to show their specific aspects.

Normally, except doing some daily stuff like web surfing, watching movies, listening to music, typing or doing accounting, most people need a more powerful laptop to be able to fulfill heavier tasks or play games once in a while. Also, many want to get a good product paying less for it. So this up-to-date price guide is perfect for this kind of people. In the next couple of paragraphs in the description section of each laptop you’ll also find out which laptop is suitable for what kind of users. And remember, the order of the laptops is not based on their quality, so the first ones on the list are not meant to be the best ones.

Pay attention that the following laptops can be offered in different designs and can have different technical specifications which will be reflected in their price.

 

Notes you need to pay attention to when buying a laptop under 500 dollars:

  • Normally, laptops under $500 have Intel Core i CPU. According to their price, technical specifications and features, most sales belong to this section. Moreover, most people don`t want to have a weak laptop for accomplishing their tasks, and, on the other hand, don’t have a big budget to spend. In this section, you can choose from Core i3 to Core i7 laptops.
  • Laptops equipped with a 15-inch display are heavier and thicker compared to 13-inch or 14-inch laptops.
  • Experience shows that even 100-200 grams can be important for the laptop weight, especially if you want to carry it everywhere with you. The thicker and heavier the laptop is, the harder it will be to carry it.
  • Another important factor in buying a laptop is the capacity of the battery. Although the laptops introduced here do not have high battery capacity, try to choose the best laptop with the best charge capacity. I tried to introduce laptops with better battery capacity compared to their competitors at the same price.
  • Most of us may not pay attention to the number of ports on a laptop while buying, but after a while you`ll see how important it is. All laptops that are listed here support one or two USB 3.0 ports as well as other necessary ports. But still, try to choose a laptop which has more USB 3.0 ports and supports both VGA and HDMI.
  • The laptop of your choice should have a very ergonomic, well-built and comfortable keyboard as well as a large touch-pad that will make it easier to work on the laptop. For this reason, make sure to pay a lot of attention to the laptop design.
  • Some of the listed laptops have a 14-inch display. Choosing between 14-inch and 15-inch display totally depends on your needs. If you are going to use it for reading and watching, you will certainly enjoy it more on a larger display. On the other hand, if you need it to be portable and nice, and if the display size is not important for you, choosing a 13-inch or 14-inch laptop can be much better for you.
  • Laptops with Intel Core i CPU have more processing power and accomplish tasks faster compared to the laptops with Celeron or Pentium CPU.
  • Finally, if you are looking for a laptop under 500 dollars, you should be satisfied with maximum a 500GB or 1TB HDD, 4 to 8 Gigabytes of RAM and Core i3 or Core i5, because you will not find laptops with better specifications in this price range. Of course, there are some models in the market that are equipped with AMD processors and have a reasonable price, so choose according to your needs. If you need a laptop with more powerful CPU, RAM, HDD or a display with higher resolution, you need to choose laptops which cost more than $500.
  • Before buying any laptop from our list or any other laptop, make sure to go to the official store and work on the laptop you consider to buy so that you can make the best decision.

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Lenovo G50-45

Lenovo G50-45

Specifications:

Processor: AMD A6-6310

Processor Speed: 1.80GHz (up to 2.40 GHz)

RAM: 6GB

HDD: 1TB

Display Size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1366×768

Graphics Card:  Radeon R7 M265 2GB

Dimensions: 381x267x25mm

Weight: 2.4kg

Battery: 6-cell

USB 3.0 port (1), USB2.0 port (2)

G5045 is one of the best mid-range Lenovo laptops which is available in different price ranges and with different hardware specifications. Lenovo which is one of the best laptop manufactures likes to release its devices with different hardware specifications and consequently with different prices. If you’re looking for a good laptop in the range of $300, G5045 with the listed specifications is known as a very good device in this category. This series of Lenovo laptops is available in various types, and you can consider buying one of its models (like what I’ve mentioned above). This device can provide a good HDD as well as enough RAM memory and a powerful processor, but do not expect more than 3 or 4 hours for its battery life. You can choose between different models of this laptop with different processor models in a variety of price ranges.

Lenovo Amazon Deal


Lenovo G50-80

Lenovo G50-80

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i3 5005U 2GHz

RAM: 4 GB

HDD: 1TB

Display Size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1366×768

Graphics Card: AMD Radeon R5 M230 2GB

Dimensions: 386x265x25mm

Weight: 2.5kg

Battery: 4-cell

USB 3.0 port (1), USB2.0 port (2)

G50-80 laptop series belongs to Essential Lenovo laptops. This series is suitable for people who need a laptop for daily use because Lenovo hasn`t put powerful hardware on it. If you are a student and would like to have a cheap but efficient laptop, G50.80 series is a suitable choice. G50-80 series has different models of laptops with different hardware which provide appropriate HDD as well as necessary ports and 3-4 hours battery life. You can choose from a number of different models according to your needs.

Lenovo Deal


HP Pavilion 15

HP Pavilion 15

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 5200U 2.20GHz up to 2.70 GHz

RAM: 6GB

HDD: 1TB

Display size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1366×768

Graphics Card: GeForce GT 840M 4GB

Dimensions: 385x260x23.9mm

Weight: 2.27kg

Battery: 4-cell

USB 3.0 port (2), USB2.0 port (1)

HP is another highly reputable company in the laptop market which budget laptops called “Pavilion” are available in the market. Pavilion series has many divisions. One of them is P210ne which has good specifications. Good hardware, nice design, appropriate battery life and powerful CPU/GPU are some of its good specifications.

All 2014 models of this product are equipped with the 4th-generation Intel processors (known as Haswell) while all 2015 models have the 5th-generation processors called Broadwell. Graphic card is the 8th-generation Nvidia. In general, P series of HP laptops include powerful multimedia devices which can easily replace desktop computers that take up a lot of space.

HP Pavilion 15 Deal


Asus P2530

Asus Laptop

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 6200U 2.30 GHz

Cache Memory: 3MB

RAM: 8GB (DDR4)

HDD: 1TB (5400 RPM)

Display Size: 15.6-inch

Display Type: TFT LCD

Resolution: 1920×1080

Graphics Card: GeForce 920M 2GB

Dimensions: 380x256x26mm

Weight: 2.17kg

Battery: 6-cell (56 MWh)

USB 3.0 port (3), USB2.0 port (1)

P2530 is one of the newest Asus laptops that can be purchased for under $500. This device has all necessary features for a good multimedia laptop. This device has Full HD display and 1TB HDD which are known as a standard for most mid-range laptops these days.

Asus P2530 is one of the best in terms of supporting different ports (4 USB ports in total). If you want to have a suitable and attractive laptop under $500 laptop, P2530 is one of the best options on this list.


Lenovo Ideapad 100

Lenovo Ideapad 100

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Atom Z3735F 1.33GHz and 1.83GHz

RAM: 2GB (DDR3)

SSD Hard Drive: 32GB

HDD: 1TB (5400 RPM)

Display Size: 11-inch

Display Type: TFT LCD

Resolution:  1366×768

Graphics Card: Intel HD

Dimensions: 292x202x17.5mm

Weight: 1kg

Battery: 2-cell (32 MWh)

USB2.0 port (2)

Ideapad 100 is very suitable for people who need a laptop for everyday use and usually travel or move a lot. If you need to always carry your laptop, Ideapad 100 is one of the best options that you can purchase for about $300.

Of course, you should know that the power of this laptop can be compared to today’s smartphones and you should not expect it to solve hard tasks. Fortunately, Lenovo released this laptop in a variety of colors to choose from.

Ideapad 100 deal


HP ProBook 450

HP ProBook 450

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i7 6500U 2.5GHz (up to 3.1GHz)

Cache Memory: 4MB

RAM: 8GB (DDR3)

HDD: 1TB (5400 RPM)

Display size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1366×768

Graphics Card: AMD Radeon R7 M340 2GB

Dimensions: 375x262x25.5 mm

Weight: 2.06 kg

Battery: 4-cell

USB 3.0 port (2), USB2.0 port (2)

HP ProBook 450 is a multi-purpose laptop which can be used at work and at home. This device shows high performance, has many features and a high-quality body. Although, this laptop has been made of plastic, it has high durability.

The display of this model has HD quality, a TN panel as well as matte surface which is why it can be easily used in different lighting conditions. Although it must be said that brightness and contrast of the display are not high. Also, if you are interested in playing games or editing videos, Probook 450 will not meet your expectations. Well-built body, matte surface, multiple USB ports and up-to-date hardware can be a perfect choice for every day, semi-professional and professional uses.


Asus K556

Asus Laptop

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 6500U 2.3GHz (up to 2.8GHz)

Cache Memory: 4MB

RAM: 6GB (DDR4)

HDD: 1TB (5400 RPM)

Display size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1920×1080

Graphics Card: GeForce 940MX 2GB

Dimensions: 385x260x23.9 mm

Weight: 2.30 kg

Battery: 2-cell

USB 3.0 port (1), USB2.0 port (1), USB-C (1)

K series of Asus laptops has always had powerful hardware. 6GB of RAM and Core i5 6500U 2.3GHz CPU provide appropriate hardware power which can be used for different purposes.


Lenovo Ideapad 300

Lenovo Ideapad 300

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 6200U 2.3GHz (up to 2.8 GHz)

RAM: 4GB

HDD: 1TB

Display size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1366×768

Graphics Card: AMD Radeon R5 M330 2GB

Dimensions: 384x265x22.9 mm

Weight: 2.3 kg

Battery: 4-cell

USB 3.0 port (1), USB2.0 port (2)

Lenovo which is the largest PC manufacturer in the world doesn`t think only about high-end products. You can find a wide range of best laptops in the cart of this brand. In its Ideapad 300 laptop series Lenovo has tried to combine good quality and specifications and a reasonable price, and it seems that they almost succeeded. The Ideapad 300 laptop can be an appropriate choice in its price range.

The laptop is equipped with a low-power and new generation processor, 8GB of RAM and 2TB HDD, which turns this large amount of storage to one of its advantages. Full HD display with matte surface and AMD 4GB Graphics card are other advantages of this product.

Lenovo laptop is well-built, has nice design and like the other laptops of this brand, has an amazingly comfortable keyboard and touchpad. There are different models of this laptop available in variety of price ranges.

Ideapad 300 Deal


HP PAVILION 15-P108NE

HP PAVILION 15-P108NE

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 4210U 1.7 GHz (up to 2.7 GHz)

RAM: 6GB

HDD: 1TB

Display size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1366×768

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 840M 2GB

Dimensions: 384x260x23.9 mm

Weight: 2.27 kg

Battery: 4-cell

USB 3.0 port (2), USB2.0 port (1)

HP like Lenovo has attractive laptops in various price ranges. The new series of Pavilion products in addition to beautiful design benefits from the newest hardware. Its design is one of the reasons of popularity of HP laptops. They are even available in different colors. Another important feature of this new HP Pavilion laptop is its lightweight and thickness which is suitable for a 15.6-inch model.

HP used a low-power processor in Pavilion 15-p108ne to reduce energy consumption and the price, so it can only be used for general purposes (like other types of laptops in this range). Like another HP product that we’ve mentioned above, this laptop has a beautiful design as well as appropriate weight and this is one of its strengths. Thanks to Core i5 Processor, 6GB of RAM, 1TB Hard Drive and a 2GB Graphics Card, you won`t have any problem in everyday use. Of course, you`ll have to pay a relatively high price which corresponds with the design and build quality of this product.

Pavilion 15 Deal


Dell Inspiron 5558

Dell Inspiron 5558

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 4210U 1.7 GHz (up to 2.7 GHz)

RAM: 4GB

HDD: 500GB

Display size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1366×768

Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce 920M 2GB

Dimensions: 381x267x25.6 mm

Weight: 2.16 kg

Battery: 4-cell

USB 3.0 port (2), USB2.0 port (2)

Many people believe that Dell is not like it was before and the presence of this brand and its products get lost among Lenovo, Asus and HP laptops. But we shouldn`t give up on it. Dell, Toshiba and Sony VAIO controlled the market until a few years ago, but now, the last one no longer exists and the first two brands are barely breathing. Although Dell is not a weak competitor at all and its XPS products are still powerful devices, Dell Inspiron series has always been the most attractive among Dell laptops, combining a reasonable price and good specifications.

Inspiron 5558 is one of the newest products of this brand which has simple and beautiful design. Its body is covered with special material which prevents from fingerprints and dust. This device comes with a Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, 500GB HDD and dual graphics card (Geforce and Intel) which makes this laptop a good partner for its users. Although, the high price of this device is one of its negative sides. The laptop is available in black, red and blue colors.

Inspiron 5558 Deal


Lenovo IdeaPad Z5170

Lenovo IdeaPad Z5170

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i5 5200U 2.20GHz (up to 2.70 GHz)

RAM: 8GB

HDD: 1TB

Display size: 15.6-inch

Resolution: 1920×1080

Graphics Card: Radeon R9 M375 4GB

Dimensions: 384x265x24.6 mm

Weight: 2.3 kg

Battery: 4-cell

USB 3.0 port (2), USB2.0 port (1)

Z series laptops are the best laptops ever made by Lenovo. They are available in sizes of 14 and 15 inches and include a variety of technical specifications. Quality and beautiful design are outstanding characteristics of this series which ensure you that you`ll get what you are paying for.

Lenovo has combined powerful hardware and Dolby speakers with a metal body in Z series laptops to give its users the best they could. Z5170 is one of the newest Lenovo laptops which comes with a new generation of Intel processor, 8GB of RAM and 1TB HDD which makes it one of the best models in this buying guide.

This laptop can handle hard tasks perfectly with its powerful processor and its Full HD display can be considered as an advantage against other competitors. But it was better if Lenovo used matte surface for it. You’ll have a beautiful and well-built product according to what you are paying. This laptop is available with different specifications which let you get what suits you perfectly.

Hope you enjoyed reading this buying guide; now you’re able to pick up your suitable laptop according to your budget. Thanks for reading and feel free to share your opinion about the above list in comments below.

8 comments

  1. Ali, great information. I am in need of an upgrade. I currently have a Dell Vostro 2520 that I kept strictly for my business and a Lenovo Ideapad for everything else. The Lenovo was phenomenal until some water got spilled on it, much less leggy then my Dell even though they were spec’d out the same. If I remember right, we actually bought the Lenovo from their outlet site. I think this time I am going to purchase a gaming laptop, do you have any recommendations?

  2. I wish laptops had a longer lifespan… I’ve never had one last longer than 3 years! I’ve given up on buying the expensive models for that reason… as I don’t do too much gaming or downloading, a laptop under $500 makes a lot of sense. This will be a helpful post when I ready to shop… which will likely be soon. I’ll flag it. Which is your top recommendation of the many above? I have an HP now – but I certainly won’t be getting one again… the fan has been really loud from the get-go.

    1. Dear Marlaine,

      Thanks for your comment )

      Yes, the time goes fast these days! 😉 On the one hand, that’s good that we can see a new technology everyday and on the other hand, our electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, etc. don’t have a long lifespan.
      Since won’t do heavy tasks with your laptop, my recommendations are Lenovo G50-45 and HP ProBook 450. Both them are powerful and can done your daily tasks perfectly.

      Best,
      Ali

  3. Great informative post. I currently have a Dell Inspiron but I think its lifetime is nearly over, so I was thinking of buying a new one. But the problem is that I am a graphics designer and I run programs which require powerful computers. And I am not that rich also to buy super expensive laptops lol! So I was thinking between HP ProBook and Lenovo Ideapad. Which one would you recommend me to buy?

    1. Dear Hans,

      Thanks for your comment. )

      Actually both of them are excellent laptops. Both systems feature and price range are almost the same (depending on which identical configurations you’re choosing). I’ve read reviews about Ideapad and it got 4 stars in most reviews because of its nice design, light weight, very good keyboard and strong battery life (as well as high Graphics). On the other hand, the ProBook series is well known because of its loud speakers, comfortable keyboard as well as touch-pad and again nice design. But since you’re a graphic designer designer, I would recommend you go with Ideapad; powerful GPU and infinity glass display that has been embedded in Ideapad series make it a suitable choice for you. It also doesn’t hurt your eyes while working with it during the night or in the dark environments.

      Best,
      Ali

  4. I’ve wanted to buy some laptop for a long time but couldn’t decide which one, I didn’t want to go with expensive one but I also wanted it to be good.
    Thanks to your article I made my decision. It has very useful information and I recommend it to anyone who has trouble in choosing a laptop.
    Keep up the good work.
    Cheers!

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