Tech Desk 
Jul 13, 2024
Finding solid laptops under $500 is a difficult task these days, with limited options available. While these devices may not offer the highest performance or premium materials, they are reliable and capable of handling everyday tasks for both adults and children.
Best budget laptops 2024
1. Acer Aspire 5
- CPU: Intel Core i3-1115G4
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
The Acer Aspire 5 is a straightforward, no-frills laptop. Its exterior design is fairly standard for its price range. The Intel Core i3 processor and average battery life make it suitable for low-intensity tasks, providing adequate performance for basic needs.
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2. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
- Display: 10.1 inches, 1920 x 1200
- CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T
- GPU: ARM G72 MP3
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
For those open to a budget tablet/Chromebook, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a good option. Priced at $245, it includes both the tablet and keyboard, offering a more affordable alternative to the Microsoft Surface Go.
Featuring a 2.0GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio P60T, ARM G72 MP3 GPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage, the Duet is primarily reliant on web-based services, which helps to conserve battery life. Its sharp and bright 1920 x 1080 display is ideal for both browsing and media consumption.
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3. Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Display: 10.5 inches, 1920 x 1280
- CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 615
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
The Surface Go 2 is a hybrid device, functioning as both a laptop and a tablet, running on Windows 10. While the base price is $299, adding the modular keyboard raises the cost to $359. To stay under $500, you'll have to accept the Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage.
Despite these limitations, the thinner bezels and larger 10.5-inch screen are appealing features. It's suitable for light tasks, media consumption, and even a few indie games thanks to Steam compatibility. With improved battery life over its predecessor, the Surface Go 2 is a reliable companion for travel and daily use.
These budget-friendly laptops provide reliable performance for basic tasks, making them suitable choices for students, professionals, and anyone needing an affordable device.
