Top 10 Best Cheap Laptops for Programming in 2022
Programming is the process of designing and implementing executable computer programs. It involves analysis and design, generating algorithms, analyzing accuracy, resource consumption, and implementation.
For programming, you need a good laptop or computer. If you are often traveling, it is a good idea to invest in a quality laptop. While programming laptops are often expensive, you can still find a few budget-friendly options on the market.
These budget-friendly options have the power you need to complete your projects. They are best suited for students who are learning computer programming.
Programming requires a computer with high memory, and processing power, so cheap programming laptops need to have a minimum of 16GB RAM. You also need to choose a laptop with a good processor and battery life.
Buying a cheap programming laptop with high-end features is possible if you’re willing to sacrifice some comforts. A quality CPU is necessary for software development, and a high-speed processor like an Intel i7 is preferable. A full HD display is also a plus.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best cheap laptops for programming in 2022!
What To Look For In Cheap Programming Laptops?
If you’re thinking of becoming a programmer but aren’t sure how to start, you may be wondering what cheap programming laptops are. These low-priced laptops are the ideal choice for those just starting out.
They feature powerful processors and great screens, which will ensure you’ll have a comfortable viewing experience. Whether you’re looking to learn how to write your first computer program or are already an experienced programmer who wants to improve your skills, there’s a laptop that’s right for you.
Cheap programming laptops should be equipped with an operating system appropriate for your chosen discipline, ample storage space, and wireless connectivity. A powerful laptop will speed up your coding workflow and process.
In addition, you’ll also need a display that’s large enough to view the code without scrolling. There are also many models with large displays that let you test out games without the need to scroll.
For the best performance, check the screen resolution. While 1080p resolution is sufficient, programmers spend countless hours in front of the screen. So make sure to choose a laptop with a minimum of 1080p resolution.
4K resolution, while more expensive, is definitely worth considering if you want to be able to see details easily. Lastly, check the battery life. You want to have a battery that lasts for at least a full work day.
Minimum and Recommended System Requirements for Cheap Programming Laptops
When it comes to buying a cheap programming laptop, you need to consider the minimum system requirements. While many computers today come with low requirements, you may find that some have less than adequate specifications. These cheap programming laptops often come with subpar systems and are not suitable for serious programming work.
Minimum System Requirements
Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD A8 / A10
Memory: 4GB to 8GB RAM
Storage: 256GB SSD storage
Display: 13 inch screen with 1600 x 900 resolution
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
Recommend System Requirements
Processor: Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7
Memory: 8GB to 16GB RAM
Storage: 512GB to 1TB SSD storage
Display: 15 to 16-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
Are Cheap Programming Laptops Worth It?
Finding the best cheap programming laptop is not an easy task. Even experienced programmers might not have the time to do a lot of research. The standard low-set laptops aren’t strong enough to handle programming and often have problems with lag.
Additionally, you won’t get the best job security. However, there are many budget-friendly programming laptops that are actually quite good.
Programmers can no longer use huge desktop PCs with multiple monitors. The benefits of a laptop for programmers are immense. No longer do programmers have to sit at large desks, staring at the screen.
With a cheap laptop, anyone can learn to code. And because it’s portable, anyone can write code anywhere. With a laptop, you can even do it anywhere, even when you’re not in the office.
Cheap programming laptops come with many high-end features. You can easily get decent programming laptops with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and a powerful Intel i5 or i7 processor.
These laptops also offer stunning displays and average battery life. You can also buy affordable MacBook Air for programming. While cheap programming laptops might lack powerful graphics cards, they are equipped with all the necessary features required for programming. So yes, cheap laptops for programming are worth it.
If you are looking for budget-friendly programming laptops, here are the top 10 best options in 2022.
Pros Great price-to-performance ratio
Great price-to-performance ratio Powerful performance with Intel i5 10thGen processor
Powerful performance with Intel i5 10thGen processor Thin, lightweight, and portable
Thin, lightweight, and portable 8GB RAM and 512SSD storage
8GB RAM and 512SSD storage Comes with an ergonomic backlit keyboard
Comes with an ergonomic backlit keyboard Full-size keyboard with improved typing position
Full-size keyboard with improved typing position Full HD display with thin bezels Cons Sound quality is not good
Sound quality is not good Battery doesn’t last more than 5 to 6 hours Check the Latest Price on Amazon
This ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is a fantastic option for people who want a laptop that can take on the daily grind. It is one of the best budget laptops for programming.
With four cores of processing power, it can easily reach 3.6GHz. Its SSD ensures that programs launch quickly and basic apps smoothly. The battery life is decent and comes with fast charging feature. The battery life of this laptop is just right for everyday multitasking.
As with all Asus laptops, the VivoBook 15 has a premium feel, with a smooth brushed aluminum lid and a shiny gray deck. It also sports a full-size keyboard and a Windows Hello compatible fingerprint scanner.
Its screen, however, is not as impressive as some of its rivals. Other notable features include smooth bezels, a 720p webcam, an ergonomic backlit keyboard, and bottom-firing speakers.
Another good thing about the ASUS VivoBook 15 is its high multitasking capabilities. This laptop has ample storage space and comes with 8GB of RAM. You will also get 512GB SSD storage with this laptop.
The Asus VivoBook 15 features a 15.6-inch 1080p display, which provides excellent visibility indoors and outdoors. It also features a generously sized fan and a copper heat pipe, which helps the laptop stay cool when it’s on the go. It is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor.
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a great choice for users who want a lightweight and thin device that can handle both light multitasking and programming. Its 178-degree viewing angles, high refresh rate, and pixel density are all excellent features.
The screen is also bright enough to combat glare and produces deep inky blacks. The display’s high-end specification also offers adequate video quality and an impressive 88% screen-to-body ratio.
Why Is This the Best Cheap Laptop for Programming in 2022?
If you’re a programmer looking for a cheap laptop, then the ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light is an excellent choice. It has an excellent 15.6-inch screen and offers a webcam on the top. It also comes with a 512GB SSD, making it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly programming laptop.
When choosing a cheap programming laptop, it’s important to look at the CPU. The CPU is the heart of the machine. This laptop is equipped with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, which is enough for coding and programming. This processor has a 3.6-GHz clock speed. It also features 8-GB DDR4 RAM.
The ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is an affordable, budget-friendly programming laptop. Its 15.6-inch screen has a nano edge-bezel display and has an 88% screen-to-body ratio.
It has several ports and a discrete graphics card, which is good for programming. Additionally, this model comes ergonomic backlit keyboard and fingerprint sensor.
It is a thin and lightweight laptop with a sleek and professional design. The exclusive ergo lift design helps you to easily type comfortably on this laptop for hours. Another good thing about this laptop is the battery.
You can enjoy the quick-charge feature, which helps you to easily charge the laptop in a short time. All these features make it overall the best cheap laptop for programming.
Pros Fast and powerful performance with MD Ryzen 5 5500U
Fast and powerful performance with MD Ryzen 5 5500U Comes with AMD Radeon Graphics
Comes with AMD Radeon Graphics Higher RAM and storage space
Higher RAM and storage space 15.6-inch full HD display
15.6-inch full HD display Good battery life
Good battery life Affordable price Cons No backlit keyboard Check the Latest Price on Amazon
The Newest 2022 HP 15.6in FHD Business Laptop is one of the best budget options when it comes to programming. This laptop comes with a full-size HDMI port and a Gigabit Ethernet port, while it also comes with two standard USB 2.0 ports and a charging port with LED. It has a decent battery life which is perfect for programming.
This HP laptop has a slight edge over other laptops in the price range as it features AMD Ryzen 5 5500U 6 core CPU, which easily beats the Intel i7 processor.
The powerful CPU is paired with 16GB of RAM, which is more than enough for professional programming. You will also get 512GB SSD storage with this laptop.
This HP laptop has decent performance for a budget laptop. Its AMD Ryzen processor makes it feel fast, and its Radeon Graphics are sufficient for coding.
The laptop’s speakers are also good. This laptop is a great option for university students and professional programmers who are looking for the best spec without breaking the bank.
The Newest 2022 HP laptop features a 15.6″ FHD Anti-glare micro-edge screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution. It boasts impressive clarity and color. It is a thin and lightweight laptop with a stunning design.
You will get a full-size keyboard with HP True Vision Camera and dual array microphone. The Newest 2022 HP Business Laptop offers the perfect balance between power and price. It can last up to 9 hours on a single charge.
Pros Full-size ergonomic backlit keyboard
Full-size ergonomic backlit keyboard Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3350U quad-core processor
Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3350U quad-core processor Solid IPS display with FHD resolution
Solid IPS display with FHD resolution Up to 10 hours of battery life
Up to 10 hours of battery life Built-in Alexa Cons Not a touchscreen laptop Check the Latest Price on Amazon
Acer has just released its new line of 15-inch laptops along with Aspire 5. It is one of the cheapest laptops for programming. Despite its low price, the Aspire delivers good performance.
The Acer Aspire 5’s keyboard has wide keys with a significant amount of travel and a vague feel. It is comfortable to use and does an adequate job of typing.
In our review of the 2021 Acer Aspire 5, we found it to be a very good value for money, especially for budget-minded users.
Its latest AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor is a solid choice, and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity is a welcome addition. The battery life is quite good, too, with the model delivering up to 10 hours of use.
This model’s design is very similar to the Acer Swift 5 model. The silver lid has a chrome interior. With this laptop, you will get 256GB SSD storage which is enough for programming.
The 15.6″ Full HD display helps you to easily write the codes. In addition, you will also get a fingerprint sensor and backlit keyboard with this laptop.
For the price, the Aspire 5 Slim Laptop offers the best performance. There are three fan modes in the laptop that keep it cool, and it also features multiple connectivity ports. If you are looking for a cheap and affordable programming laptop, this is the best choice.
Pros Equipped with a powerful M1 chip
Equipped with a powerful M1 chip Excellent battery life
Excellent battery life Two thunderbolt ports
Two thunderbolt ports Touch IF security feature
Touch IF security feature Stunning display with 2560 by 1600 resolution Cons Fan-less design Check the Latest Price on Amazon
If you are looking for premium yet cheat programming laptops, MacBook Air is the best choice. This laptop has the Apple M1 chip and is notably quieter with fanless cooling and costs less. It is a 13-inch thin and lightweight laptop with the solid build quality and a powerful processor.
The M1 MacBook Air has been improved to be faster and more reliable. The M1 chip has a blazing-fast 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU for intensive and heavy tasks. You will get 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage with this laptop which is perfect for programming.
MacBook Air is also better suited for programmers since its processor is built for the needs of professionals. The visuals are stunning with Retina Display, and battery life beats all the other laptops. You can use this laptop for up to 18 hours on a single charge.
The M1 chip is capable of running most programs natively. Most of Apple’s own programs run natively, including the video-editing heavyweight apps.
With this laptop, you can enjoy additional features like Touch ID and a webcam. While this laptop is pricey compared to other machines, it is durable and will last for years.
Pros Powerful processor and graphics card
Powerful processor and graphics card Good for professional programmers
Good for professional programmers Excellent battery life and speed
Excellent battery life and speed Stunning visuals and backlit keyboard Cons Runs hot when multitasking Check the Latest Price on Amazon
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s solid and has great specs, you can’t go wrong with the Acer Nitro 5. This gaming laptop offers an incredible lineup of tech and a lightning-quick Full HD IPS screen. Even though it is a gaming laptop, you can use it for programming as well as coding.
The Acer Nitro 5 is a great value for the money, featuring a 10th-generation Intel Core i5-10300H processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card.
With 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD, this laptop can handle a wide variety of tasks. Although it doesn’t offer the best graphics performance, it’s certainly fast enough for smooth programming.
If you’re a professional programmer, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515 55-53E5 Gaming Laptop is perfect for you. Its 15.6-inch FHD screen delivers true 60-fps and is very comfortable to use. Its GPU offers 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores and 3rd Gen Tensor Cores. It also comes with Killer Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6.
The Nitro 5 is a nice gaming laptop, and it comes with a great selection of ports. It includes HDMI 2.0 and USB-C 3.2port. The thin profile of this laptop makes it great for traveling.
Its battery life is very good and lasts up to 11 hours. The keyboard is backlit and comfortable to type on. The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-54E5 Gaming Laptop is a great choice for any budget programming.
Pros Power and responsive performance with Intel i5 processor
Power and responsive performance with Intel i5 processor 17.3″ diagonal screen with FHD resolution
17.3″ diagonal screen with FHD resolution 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage
16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage Windows 11 Home in S mode Cons Thick bezels and no backlit keyboard Check the Latest Price on Amazon
HP Pavilion 17.3 FHD IPS Laptop is another affordable device for programmers. The HP laptop series offers powerful processors and fast performance for the ultimate experience.
The laptop’s USB ports are the best in class, offering 15x faster speeds than conventional hard drives. Its two million-pixel display delivers vivid color and crystal clear visuals.
The HP Pavilion 17’s design features a silver chassis with an easy-to-open lid. It feels luxurious in hand. The battery life is decent for work and lasts up to 6.5 hours.
The HP Pavilion 17.3 FHD IPS Laptop comes with a powerful 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor. It offers plenty of power for work and home and is the perfect size for all-day use. It also has 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
This 17.3-inch HP laptop is perfect for programming. Although it lacks graphics performance, it’s still an excellent option for those who want a high-performance laptop for home or work use.
It boasts an FHD screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 300 nits brightness, and an HP True Vision 720p HD camera.
HP has always been the king of value for money. And its laptop specs are superior to those of its competitors, including Dell and Lenovo. The HP Pavilion 17 is one of the latest and cheapest laptops for programming.
Pros Good processor and graphics card
Good processor and graphics card FHD IPS Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
FHD IPS Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution Comfortable keyboard
Comfortable keyboard Up to 9 hours of battery life Cons It only has 2 USB ports Check the Latest Price on Amazon
If you are looking for a powerful programming laptop that is also affordable, you might want to check out the Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop.
This laptop has a 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, a 512GB NVMe SSD, and the latest NVIDIA GeForce Graphics. You will enjoy smoother and faster performance, as well as power efficiency.
The Ideapad L340 has all ports on the left side of the chassis. You can find two USB 3.0 ports on this device, as well as a Kensington lock. It also comes with a built-in Wi-Fi card. In terms of performance, the Lenovo L340 Gaming is a capable programming laptop.
Even though its configuration is considered entry-level, it can run multiple apps. The graphics card is limited to an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, which is great for programming.
Despite its affordable price, this laptop has plenty of great features and a minimalist design. Its 15.6-inch IPS display is one of the best you can find on a gaming laptop.
Although it isn’t the most powerful laptop in the market, its surprisingly quality components make it one of the most affordable programming laptops on the market. This laptop has the good audio quality and a battery that lasts up to 9 hours.
Pros 2-in-1 convertible touchscreen laptop
2-in-1 convertible touchscreen laptop Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 4500U CPU with Radeon Graphics
Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 4500U CPU with Radeon Graphics Multiple connectivity ports
Multiple connectivity ports Full-size backlit keyboard Cons The color gamut is only about 60 % sRGB Check the Latest Price on Amazon
The HP Envy x360 is a budget convertible laptop with a good keyboard and decent battery life. It uses an AMD processor rather than an Intel one, but it’s quick enough for most everyday tasks.
It makes a few compromises in order to meet its price point, but overall, it’s a great daily convertible laptop for programming.
The HP Envy x360 13 (2020) is a convertible 2-in-one laptop with a 360-degree hinge that can convert the laptop into a tablet. It has excellent battery life and a great 1000-cd-m2 display.
There’s also a privacy filter, a good keyboard, and a decent touchpad. The x360 features a backlit multitouch 15.6-inch FHD screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution and up to 400 nits brightness.
This laptop is powered by AMD Ryzen 5 4500U 2.30GHz Hexa-Core CPU and comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage.
As far as ports go, the HP Envy x360 comes with a good selection. It supports HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and DisplayPort 1.4. You will get dual speakers, a backlit keyboard as well a fingerprint reader with this device.
Pros Powerful battery life
Powerful battery life Slim, lightweight, and portable
Slim, lightweight, and portable Touchscreen HD display
Touchscreen HD display Ultra-quiet and comfortable keyboard Cons Limited storage space Check the Latest Price on Amazon
You can also use Google Pixelbook Go for programming. This lightweight Chromebook laptop is incredibly versatile and can stay unplugged for up to 12 hours on a single charge. It charges in about 20 minutes and has a slick, grippable design.
This laptop starts up within seconds and feels very solid in hand. Programming is a breeze on this laptop, and it is very easy to carry around.
This touchscreen laptop is extremely lightweight and portable. Despite its slim chassis, it is equipped with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor. This laptop has a quiet and comfortable keyboard with a spacious touchpad. It comes with a brilliant HD touchscreen display and a 1080p webcam.
The Pixelbook Go does have a dual 3.5mm headphone jack and two USB Type-C ports. The micro SD slot makes upgrading the storage space a breeze, and the Pixelbook Go has the best display and keyboard in a lightweight Chromebook.
This laptop has excellent speakers. You will also get 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage with this laptop. For a lightweight Chromebook, the Pixelbook Go is a great option for anyone who is into basic programming.
Pros Small, durable, and affordable laptop
Small, durable, and affordable laptop Powerful battery life
Powerful battery life 10th Gen Intel Core processor
10th Gen Intel Core processor PixelSense touchscreen display Cons Small screen and limited storage space Check the Latest Price on Amazon
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is a small and affordable laptop for programming. It comes with a 12.4-inch touch screen display. The Surface Laptop Go is thin and easy to hold with one hand. It has a decent keyboard, but it’s not as large as some of its rivals.
Despite the small size, the keyboard is full-sized and has enough travel to enable comfortable typing. Overall, this is the best laptop in its price range.
The Surface Laptop Go has an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor. While it’s not cutting-edge, it’s still plenty powerful enough for general programming. In our performance test, we were quite satisfied with this laptop. It comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage.
The PixelSense display on the Surface Laptop Go has a 1536 x 1024 pixel resolution. The Surface Laptop Go has an impressive range of ports and features.
The laptop comes with onboard USB-C ports and a microSD card slot. There’s also an external HD camera. This laptop comes with an all-day battery life that lasts up to 13 hours.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Laptop for Programming in 2022?
There are several aspects to consider when selecting a cheap programming laptop. These features include the display, CPU, and GPU.
Price
The price is one of the most important factors when purchasing a new laptop for programming, and you would surely want to get the best deal possible. Usually, a programming laptop will fall within a budget of $1000 or more.
However, if you want a basic laptop for entry-level programming, you can find it for under $1000 as well. Make sure you compare the price when selecting a laptop for programming.
Keyboard
The keyboard is another important factor when buying a laptop for programming. You’ll spend many hours typing codes on the laptop, so it’s vital to find a comfortable keyboard. Look for a keyboard with a numerical pad, good travel, and soft-touch keys. Also, check the layout.
CPU
A programming laptop should have plenty of power, a modern processor, and a large enough display for you to view code and test games. A good programming laptop should be able to handle multiple windows without scrolling.
Make sure you buy a laptop with good processing power. It is best to choose a laptop with an Intel i5 or i7 processor.
GPU
Another important feature to look for in a programming laptop is its graphics. While graphics are not the most important feature, they should not be overlooked, especially if you plan to do a lot of coding related to app development and gaming. A decent graphics card makes it easier to load graphics in a game.
Memory
Choosing a laptop for programming can be confusing. You will need a laptop with sufficient RAM to run different software applications.
A laptop with 4GB RAM is not ideal because it will have a hard time managing multiple software applications and programs. You should buy a laptop with a minimum of 8GB of RAM.
Display
The laptop should also have a large enough display, so you can read code easily without scrolling. For programming purposes, a powerful laptop will help speed up your workflow and process. Make sure you choose a laptop with a large screen and high-resolution display.
Battery
If you are looking for a cheap laptop for programming, there are several factors to consider. The most important one is battery life. If you are frequently traveling, choose a laptop with good battery backup. You need at least 6 to 8 hours of battery backup in a laptop.
Storage
When choosing the right laptop for programming, look for a device with good storage space. The programming laptop should have enough space to easily write codes and save multiple files. It is best to choose SSD storage as it is faster. You need at least 256GB or 512GB SSD storage for writing codes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Laptops For Programming
How Much RAM Do We Need For Programming?
If you’re just getting started with programming, 4 GB of RAM should be plenty. Basic programming is done with text editors. You don’t need a high-end computer or the biggest RAM available.
Nonetheless, if you’re a professional, you’ll need more RAM to run multiple applications. It is best to go with 8GB or 16GB of RAM.
Which is better for Programming – A PC or a Laptop?
When it comes to programming, both desktops and laptops have pros and cons. Laptops have the advantage of portability, while desktops have more power.
A PC has more flexibility for fine-tuning, which a laptop can’t match. However, if you are always on the go, it is best to choose a laptop for programming.
Do Programmers Require a Dedicated GPU?
If you’re an aspiring game developer, you might consider buying a graphics card with dedicated memory. Alternatively, you might just opt for an integrated one. However, if you are into basic programming, you don’t need a dedicated GPU.
Can You Code on Any Laptop?
You can write codes on most laptops. While many laptops today have sufficient graphics memory, you might find yourself limited by their resolution and speed.
For coding, a laptop should have a powerful processor, a high amount of RAM, and a large screen. It is best to choose a programming laptop if you want to code.
Final Thoughts
The best cheap laptops for programming need to have all the necessary features to write codes efficiently. In this guide, we have covered the top 10 best cheap laptops for programming in 2022.
These laptops offer the best price-to-performance ratio and deliver the best results in our test. We have tested these laptops on the basis of price, performance, speed, battery life, display, etc. If you have any queries regarding these products, write to us in the comments below.
If you’re a fan, check out these cheap laptops that can run Minecraft!
The Best Laptops Under $500 in 2022
As the world advances, the use of technology in our lives has also increased significantly. Nearly everyone uses laptops these days. While adults use them in their professions, children utilize them to do their homework or take online classes. Other than that, people also use laptops to watch movies or videos. However, laptops are not cheap. They usually do require a large amount, but depending on your purpose of using them, you can find a low-cost laptop.
You will undoubtedly have to compromise on the screen, battery life, and some other features, but if you plan to use a laptop for tasks like writing, creating spreadsheets in Excel, sending emails, or any other activity that does not specifically need a lot of processing power, you can easily find a reliable, long-lasting laptop for under $500. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a laptop with capabilities that you won’t use very often. The laptops on the list below are suitable for everyone, even kids, to carry out daily tasks.
Chromebook vs. Windows
The debate between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop has sparked several contentious discussions. As the Chromebook advances, offering a straightforward experience that is very user-friendly, Windows has also improved markedly.
Chrome OS is a compact operating system since it is centered around the Chrome app and web-based processes. On a Chromebook, all the programs you access come from the Google Play Store, unlike Windows 10 and macOS, which both allow for the installation of third-party software. As a result, you won’t have to worry about background processing or clogging-causing programs. However, this also implies that you are unable to use your preferred Windows or macOS applications.
You have a wide range of hardware options with Windows, including clamshell notebooks, convertibles with 360-degree hinges, 2-in-1 Windows tablets with removable keyboards, and Windows tablets. The majority of Chromebooks are clamshells. However, regarding the interface, compared to Windows 10, Chrome OS’s interface is less complex and more user-friendly.
Generally, Windows works with practically every program. The Chromebook is not the same in this case. Although you can run a lot of apps and games on Chromebooks that support android, the Windows collection is greater in this.
Windows supports a wide range of photo editing applications like Photoshop Elements and the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite. On the web-based Chrome OS platform, you can find some simple editing tools like Photoshop Express (for devices that support Android) and Pixlr Editor (for devices that don’t support Android). Windows is better suited for this purpose for both novices and experts.
Despite being quite useful, Chrome doesn’t work with all extensions. If you use a Chromebook, you’re stuck with this issue. However, Chrome and nearly every other web browser may be used with Windows. In other words, you can customize your experience to suit your preferences with Windows.
The main drawback for Chromebook users is the relatively small amount of space you’re likely to have on your laptop’s hard drive. You may use 100GB of Drive cloud storage for free for the first two years, but after that, you’ll have to pay $1.99 per month to use it. If you require additional capacity, you can also buy up to 1TB of online space for $9.99 per month. A 30TB storage plan can be purchased for $300 per month by those who require a lot of storage. Windows, in comparison, provides a ton of storage. Those who maintain large collections of images, films, and other information will benefit from Windows’ local storage capacity.
In conclusion, both Chromebook and Windows have pros and cons. A Chromebook will work well for you if you are comfortable on the cloud and wish to complete tasks in a simple yet secure setting. However, Windows is the best option if you require strength and adaptability.
What’s the notable difference between a cheap and a high-end laptop
Are you wondering why laptops that cost half as much as some of the latest laptops are equally good at performing basic tasks?
The price of a computer is significantly influenced by the processor, which is the most crucial part and the heart of the computer. You will have to spend extra if you need to process particularly heavy applications on a laptop. A less expensive laptop will have a slower processor that will struggle to handle demanding programs. When compared to less expensive laptops that just offer 4GB of flash storage, high-end laptops typically offer more storage space.
Inexpensive laptops have a resolution of about 1920×1080 pixels, which is a Full HD resolution. The resolution of more expensive laptops, however, is 2560×1440 or 3840×2160. This is a significant difference. High-end laptops frequently contain solid state discs (SSD), which are more powerful and effective but will increase the cost.
With the reduced cost, you will have to compromise on some features, battery life, display, and storage. However, if you don’t need a laptop for use other than basic tasks, then a laptop under $500 will suffice.
The best budget laptops in 2022: bargain laptops for photo editing & home working
Looking for the best budget laptop you can find for home working and photo editing? When it comes to choosing a new laptop, the sky's the limit. If you're after the best photo-editing laptop (opens in new tab) there's no shortage of stunning machines that go large on tech and performance. Trouble is, they also go large on price as a result, often costing as much as a decent used car.
Fortunately it is possible to bag a capable laptop that's got enough oomph for some serious photo editing, home working, or even light gaming, and all for around the $500-$800 mark. At this price point don't expect the latest and greatest Octa-core processors or a large-capacity internal SSD (opens in new tab), but you'd be surprised what you can still find.
In this guide we're focusing on a laptop's screen specs above all else, as these can make or break a laptop's photo editing ability. Firstly, consider screen size. Laptops can be had in a range of screen sizes from around 11.6-inches up to 17-inches. The smaller sizes may be great for portability, but soon get tiresome when used for extended periods. We're assuming you're more likely to use your laptop mostly from home, where a 15-15.6" screen size makes most sense and is commonly available.
• See also The best portable SSDs (opens in new tab)
Then there's screen quality. Laptop screens primarily use two types of LCD technology: TN, and IPS. TN is the cheaper variety and is characterized by restrictive contrast and viewing angles, requiring you to tilt the screen up or down to choose whether highlight or shadow detail in an image is visible - not great for viewing images, let alone editing them. IPS screen tech has no such issues, and is a must if you want to do justice to your photos. Finally, there's screen resolution. At 15.6 inches, a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution is what you should look for, as anything less will leave you with a pixelated, low-resolution viewing experience that'll soon get uncomfortable.
• See also The best Chromebooks (opens in new tab)
As for the rest of the laptop specs, temporary storage, known as RAM, is vital - consider 8GB a minimum. Long term storage is likely to come in the form of a conventional hard disk drive - not the fastest technology, but adequate on a budget, and it'll give you a healthy 1TB+ capacity. It is possible to get a faster SSD-based storage drive instead, but capacity will be low - usually around 256GB.
As for the central processor - the laptop's 'engine' - the minefield of processor model numbers from manufacturers Intel and AMD is all but undecipherable. Basically, anything with four cores should see you through reasonably intensive photo editing and work, and the faster the Gigahertz (GHz) rating, the better.
The best budget laptops in 2022
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Lenovo)
(opens in new tab)
1. Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 Slick and ready for business - the ideal budget laptop for homeworking Specifications Processor: Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 RAM: 8GB Storage: Up to 1TB SSD Screen: 15-inch IPS LCD, 1920 x 1080 Today's Best Deals View at Newegg (opens in new tab) Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Subtle design + Lots of configuration options + Excellent selection of ports Reasons to avoid - Bland design - Gets pricey fast if specced up
The ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 is a thin and light laptop just 18.9mm thick and tipping the scales at a very reasonable 1.7kg. The external aesthetic is subtle and corporate, making it an ideal machine for use at home or work.
In an age where physical connection ports are in short supply, Lenovo has given the ThinkBook 15 a refreshing well stocked selection of connections. There's a bang-up-to-date Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, 2 USB-A ports, plus headphone/mic, LAN, and HDMI ports, and even a full-size SD card reader.
Battery life is respectable at up to 8 hours for the larger 60Wh battery option, or up to 6 hours if you spec the smaller 45Wh battery. Screen specs are also impressive, with most models being equipped with a Full HD 1920x1080 display. Be sure to pick the IPS screen option to get top quality viewing angles and reliable color and contrast. An entry-level TN-based LCD display is available, also Full HD, but it's best avoided as color and contrast accuracy will be sub-par.
(Image credit: HP)
2. HP Chromebook 14 FHD if you can live without Windows, this ultra-budget laptop is a real steal Specifications Weight: from 1.46kg Dimensions: 326 x 219 x 18mm Screen size: 14-inch Resolution: 1920 x 1080 CPU: from Intel Celeron RAM: from 4GB Storage: from 32GB Battery life: Up to 11 hours Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Newegg (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Amazing price + Great screen + Ultra-portable and long battery life Reasons to avoid - Slow base CPU and limited RAM
Rather than running Windows or Mac OS, this budget laptop is based on Google's ChromeOS operating system. It's designed to be super-simple to use and runs apps from Google's Play Store, just like an Android phone or tablet. As such you won't be able to use Windows software, notably Adobe Photoshop, but there are alternatives like Lightroom Mobile, and Google's own Snapseed.
Despite its low, low price, this is one of the best Chromebooks (opens in new tab) you can buy right now, with its standout feature being its 14-inch Full HD 1080p screen. It's an IPS panel, so you needn't worry about restricted viewing angles or weak contrast. Be sure you go for this Full HD (FHD) version of the HP Chromebook 14 though, as other models are available with lesser screens, and we don't reckon the marginally lower price is worth the significant reduction in display quality.
Of course, a laptop this cheap is never going be an image-editing powerhouse, and the base Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM and 32GB on-board storage all represent the minimum of what you can get away with for web browsing, image viewing and HD YouTube viewing. But the payoff for having such power-efficient hardware is up to 11 hours battery life from a highly portable and lightweight device.
(Image credit: Jessican Weatherbed/Digital Camera World)
(opens in new tab)
3. Acer Nitro 5 Super-fast and sporting a great screen - this gaming laptop is good for so much more Specifications Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (4 cores, 2GHz base frequency) RAM: 8GB Storage: 1TB HDD Screen: 15.6-inch IPS LCD, 1920x1080 Today's Best Deals View at Woot! (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Good quality screen + Fast CPU + Dedicated graphics card Reasons to avoid - HDD offering can have slow loading times - Relatively bulky - Gamer look won't suit everyone
Acer's Nitro 5 laptop range is all about offering maximum performance with minimal outlay. The focus is unashamedly on gaming, so the exterior is chunky and utilitarian, and you get frills like a glowing backlit keyboard of dubious aesthetic appeal. But see past the superficial gaming extras and the Nitro 5 has so much to offer non-gamers, too.
There are several Nitro 5 variants, but all but one sport a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS screen, so you needn't worry you might be tripped up by the specs lottery of some other manufacturers and end up with a lesser display.
We've selected the bottom of the range Nitro 5, but even this gives you a capable quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 2500U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB hard disk drive for plenty of file storage (other configurations with a smaller but faster SSD alternative are also available, and for minimal extra outlay).
Factor the included dedicated graphics card and even if you weren't previously a gamer, this laptop might just give you a new hobby!
(Image credit: HP)
(opens in new tab)
4. HP Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop Another gaming laptop that's also great for photographers Specifications Processor: from AMD Ryzen 5 RAM: from 8GB Storage: from 256GB SSD Screen: 15.6-inch IPS LCD, 1920x1080 Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Loads of config options + Decent screen specs + Includes dedicated graphics card Reasons to avoid - Gaming look not to everyone's taste - Screen brightness could be better
Even if you're not a video gamer, don't ignore the gaming laptop sector. Gamers want fast performance and a high quality screen, which is exactly what we as photographers also value.
With this laptop get a selection of nippy processor options, and at least 8GB of RAM (though speccing 16GB would be a smart move for future-proofing), along with speedy SSD storage for your files, with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB capacities available.
Screen specs are well catered for by the quality 15.6-inch Full-HD (1920 x 1080) IPS screen which will show off your photos in all their glory. The Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop also includes a dedicated graphics card like the GeForce GTX 1650 or faster, to give this laptop a genuine gaming ability, or to help speed up your video rendering.
We reckon even the cheaper spec configurations of the Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop give you a great bang for your buck, making this laptop a great deal.
(Image credit: Dell)
(opens in new tab)
5: Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 A smaller 14-inch laptop, but it's big on versatility Specifications Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-10210U (4 cores, 1.6GHz base frequency) RAM: 8GB Storage: 512GB SSD Screen: 14-inch IPS LCD, 1920x1080,touchscreen Today's Best Deals View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Microsoft US (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Versatile flip-over screen + Screen is touch and pen enabled + 512GB SSD storage Reasons to avoid - 14-inch screen size not ideal for Photoshop
Fancy a laptop and tablet in one? The Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 offers an outstanding amount of versatility and features for a very reasonable price. The 14-inch Full HD screen can flip back and around to rest on the back of the machine, creating a tablet PC, albeit a thick one. The screen is touch-sensitive and can be used as a basic pen-enabled graphics tablet - a very rare trick in the budget sector. Dell hasn't forgotten about display quality either, as the panel uses IPS tech - great for photo quality.
Under the hood is a bang-up-to-date 10th generation Intel® Core™ i5-10210U quad-core CPU with a potent 1.6GHz base speed and up to 4.2GHz boost speed. Pair this with the 8GB of RAM and generous 512GB SSD and you've got very respectable all-round performance.
The only drawback here is the 14-inch screen size, which is noticeably smaller than a typical 15.6-inch laptop and can make for a slightly fiddly Photoshop workspace. But if you prioritize portability, this compromise may just be worth it.
(Image credit: HP)
(opens in new tab)
6. HP Pavilion 15 Best for extra-long battery life and sleek portability Specifications Processor: Up to AMD Ryzen 7 RAM: Up to 16GB Storage: Up to 512GB SSD Screen: 15.6-inch IPS LCD, 1920x1080 Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Ultra-portable and light + Excellent battery life + Generous SSD capacity Reasons to avoid - Top Ryzen 7-based models get pricey
HP's Pavilion range is packed with budget-friendly, yet well-specced models that are great for a variety of tasks, including home-working. Various processor and RAM configurations can be had, but we recommend midrange the AMD Ryzen 5-based machines, as these offer the best balance of power at a reasonable price.
8GB RAM is the minimum available for the current Pavilion 15 range, and this is good enough for light photo editing. If you need to edit really big images, 16GB RAM can be specced with a few Pavilion 15 versions, though this will tie you into a much pricier machine overall.
Connectivity is decent for the price point, with USB-C, USB-A, HDMI and even a built-in SD card reader. Also impressive is the 15.6-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 screen, which is IPS-based so your photos will be displayed at their best.
(Image credit: ASUS)
(opens in new tab)
7. ASUS VivoBook S15 Sleek and stylish, yet packed with power - what's not to like? Specifications Processor: Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 RAM: Up to 16GB Storage: Up to 1TB SSD Screen: 15.6-inch LCD, up to 1920 x 1080 IPS Today's Best Deals View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Sleek styling + Decent screen specs + Built-in card reader Reasons to avoid - Not all S15 models have an IPS screen
Asus's VivoBook range is extensive, and rather confusing, but pay close attention to the specs and it is possible to grab a 15.6-inch model equipped with a high quality Full HD IPS screen with wide viewing angles and reliable contrast. There are various different VivoBook S15 model numbers that can get you this screen option, but it's not universal, so check carefully before you buy.
Several processor options are available, but the quad-core Intel Core i5 balances performance and cost the best. Elsewhere, the S15 is most often specced with a healthy 8GB of RAM and a small but fast 256GB SSD.
Measuring 361.4 x 243.5 x 18 mm and weighing in at 1.8kg, the VivoBook is also a svelte budget laptop, proving that low cost doesn't have to mean low style.
How we test laptops
When reviewing a laptop, we assess its internal hardware features, build quality, ergonomics, performance in a variety of usage scenarios, value for money, and its overall suitability for its target buyer. Although we'll evaluate a laptop with a typical user in mind, we will also pay particular attention to the perspective of photo and video enthusiasts, with special focus given to screen quality and color space coverage. Where possible, a monitor calibrator will be used to measure a laptop's display performance to assess whether it matches a manufacturer's claims, and software benchmarks like GeekBench are used to measure a laptop's processor and graphics card capabilities.
Also read:
