Latest news with #budgetcomputing
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
These are the 5 best laptops under $500, recommended by a tech expert
Need a new computer, but don't have a healthy budget? You may be surprised what you can snag today, for a fraction of the price of a higher-end PC or Mac. In fact, despite rising global computer costs, you can find a handful of stellar laptops or Chromebooks for under $500 that are designed for work, school, or play. They're ideal for basic tasks, like web browsing and online shopping, reading email, accessing social media, word processing or spreadsheet creation, and some light gaming. If you're a university or college student or taking notes in high school, the prices are also digestible. We tested a handful of laptops under $500 from Lenovo, Acer, Dell and ASUS, and chose the following five as worthy considerations. While this sub-$500 computer isn't the least expensive in our round-up, the aptly named Lenovo Duet really is two devices in one — and thus, saving you even more money since you don't need to buy (or upgrade) your tablet, too. When the kickstand is opened and the screen is docked into its QWERTY keyboard and trackpad, the Lenovo Duet works like any other Chromebook laptop. However, when you want to consume content rather than create it, detach the display and leave the keyboard on a desk or table. Whether the screen is docked or not, you can use your fingertip or stylus (included). We loved the various ways you can interact with your content, including your voice, since Google Assistant is built in, as well. And because it's only 11 inches, this versatile device is small and light enough to bring with you to and from the office, classroom, or coffee shop. In fact, it's only 510 grams and measures just 7.6mm. Under the hood, it features a capable MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor and 8GB RAM — ideal for basic tasks and smooth multitasking — while the 128GB (eMMC) of storage should be enough to hold countless apps and media files. Along with a battery that tops 12 hours between charges, other features include dual cameras, two USB ports, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth are the 5 best TVs under $500, according to a tech expert The best headphones of 2025 for every budget, tested by a tech expert The best robot vacuums and mops we've tested in 2025 For under $500, there's a lot to like about the Acer Chromebook Plus, a 14-inch laptop powered by a 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1215U processor, 8GB of system memory (RAM), and 512GB of solid-state storage. It has the most out of any laptop in this round-up. We noticed how fast it booted up and was ready for use, plus the keyboard is responsive and comfortable. If you're not aware, Chromebook 'Plus' devices deliver an enhanced Chromebook experience, with an enhanced display (1080p Full HD), more storage capacity and the latest Google AI features baked in, featuring apps like the powerful Google Gemini generative artificial intelligence assistant, Help Me Read (helping you understand and interact with text on a webpage or document), Help Me Write, and my favourite, Magic Editor, to enhance photos. Like other Chromebook Plus models, the Acer Chromebook Plus includes 12 months of the Google One AI Premium plan for free (usually $26.99/month), which includes access to Gemini Advanced (a more powerful AI tool), 2 terabytes of cloud storage, and other benefits. Battery life is up to 10 hours. A Windows PC for under $500? You bet. We so enjoyed our hands-on time with the Dell Inspiron 3520, a 15.6-inch Full HD (1080p) laptop. If you don't need a touchscreen and prefer Windows over ChromeOS, this one is for you. This sleek carbon black laptop delivers impressive performance for the price — the best out of the five laptops in this round-up, in fact — thanks to its Intel Core i3-1215U processor (6 Cores, 8 Threads), 8GB of RAM for quick app launching and smooth multitasking, and fast 256GB of SSD (solid-state) memory. If this isn't enough space for all your files, there's also an SD card slot to double, triple or quadruple the amount of storage. There are also three USB-A ports, an HDMI port to connect to a monitor, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack. This Windows 11 PC supports CoPilot for quick access to your ChatGPT-like AI companion. Computer brand ASUS has become extremely popular in Canada over the years — now the No. 1 in consumer Windows laptops, gaming laptops, consumer Chromebooks, and gaming desktops. And for good reason: along with quality craftsmanship and aggressive pricing, the company offers several unique designs to suit varying tastes and budgets. For those looking for a portable, affordable laptop, the ASUS CX14 is a 14-inch touchscreen Chromebook that's ideal for your 9-to-5 work or school life, as well as your 5-to-9 downtime, for when you want to stream movies, play some games, or listen to podcasts. It's equipped with the competent Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage to store apps you download from the integrated Google Play store. Cool to the touch and only 0.78 inches thick, this ASUS laptop enjoys military-grade durability, says the company, to withstand the bumps and knocks of everyday life on the go. It's not the lightest laptop at over 3 pounds, but it does feel ruggedized, which is important to many. The NanoEdge anti-glare touchscreen enjoys Full HD resolution, while the 42Wh battery lasts up to 12.5 hours in our testing – the best out of all laptops in this round-up. Along the sides of this light grey laptop, you'll find one USB Type-C port, one USB-A, one HDMI port and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack. At 0.73-inches thin, the aptly named Lenovo Slim 3 was the most svelte laptop out of the five we tested — slightly thinner than the ASUS CX14 Chromebook — but also powered by the latest ChromeOS, the same amount of RAM (8GB) and a 128GB solid state drive (though with a slightly inferior MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor). Oh, and did we mention it's under $400? The Lenovo Slim 3's 14-inch touchscreen display enjoys Full HD (1080p HD) resolution for crisp visuals, access to several integrated Google apps, and access to the popular Google Play store to customize your experience with countless apps and games. Integrated Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 deliver fast and reliable wireless performance, while the 47Wh battery lived up to its promise of all-day battery life. While Best Buy only has one USB port listed in its description, the Lenovo Slim 3 indeed has two USB-A ports, one high-speed USB Type-C, HDMI output, SD card reader, and headphone/microphone jack.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
These are the 5 best laptops under $500, recommended by a tech expert
Need a new computer, but don't have a healthy budget? You may be surprised what you can snag today, for a fraction of the price of a higher-end PC or Mac. In fact, despite rising global computer costs, you can find a handful of stellar laptops or Chromebooks for under $500 that are designed for work, school, or play. They're ideal for basic tasks, like web browsing and online shopping, reading email, accessing social media, word processing or spreadsheet creation, and some light gaming. If you're a university or college student or taking notes in high school, the prices are also digestible. We tested a handful of laptops under $500 from Lenovo, Acer, Dell and ASUS, and chose the following five as worthy are the 5 best TVs under $500, according to a tech expert The best headphones of 2025 for every budget, tested by a tech expert The best robot vacuums and mops we've tested in 2025
Geeky Gadgets
12-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
M4 MacBook Air & Mac Mini: Apple's Top Budget Picks for 2025
Apple has made a decisive move in the tech industry by unveiling two devices that redefine the standards of budget computing. The $850 M4 MacBook Air and the $500 M4 Mac Mini combine affordability with the high performance and quality Apple is known for. These new offerings signal a strategic shift, positioning Apple as a strong competitor in the budget PC and laptop markets while maintaining its reputation for innovation and premium design. The video below from Max Tech gives us more details about Apple's budget-friendly Macs. Watch this video on YouTube. M4 MacBook Air: Redefining Budget-Friendly Laptops The M4 MacBook Air sets a new benchmark for what users can expect from a budget laptop. At its heart is the innovative M4 chip, which delivers faster processing speeds and enhanced energy efficiency. With 16GB of RAM—double that of its predecessor—it handles multitasking, productivity software, and demanding applications effortlessly. The decision to lower the price from $1,100 to $850 makes this device a standout option for budget-conscious consumers. Battery life is another area where the M4 MacBook Air excels, offering extended usage that outperforms many competitors in its price range. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need a reliable device for work, study, or travel. Combined with macOS, which is optimized for seamless hardware-software integration, the MacBook Air provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. Additionally, its high resale value ensures that your investment retains its worth over time, further enhancing its appeal. The M4 MacBook Air also retains Apple's signature design, featuring a sleek, lightweight build that prioritizes portability without sacrificing durability. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, this laptop offers a compelling mix of performance, reliability, and affordability. M4 Mac Mini: Compact Powerhouse at an Unbeatable Price For desktop users, the M4 Mac Mini delivers a remarkable combination of performance and affordability. Priced at just $500, it offers capabilities that rival more expensive mini PCs and custom-built desktops. Powered by the M4 chip, the Mac Mini handles a wide range of tasks, from productivity and web browsing to media editing and light creative work, with effortless efficiency. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a space-saving desktop solution. Despite its small size, the M4 Mac Mini does not compromise on build quality or performance. The device is built to last, with robust hardware that ensures long-term reliability. Additionally, macOS integration enhances its usability, providing a stable and consistent performance over time. The M4 Mac Mini is particularly appealing for those setting up a home office or looking for a secondary computer. Its affordability and versatility make it a practical choice for a wide range of users, from professionals to casual users who need a reliable desktop solution. Apple's Strategic Pricing and Market Disruption Apple's pricing strategy for the M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini represents a calculated effort to disrupt the budget computing market. By offering premium hardware and software at lower price points, Apple is challenging competitors like Microsoft and other Windows-based PC manufacturers. Devices such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop and Snapdragon-powered PCs struggle to match the efficiency, performance, and resale value of Apple's new offerings. This aggressive pricing approach also broadens Apple's appeal to a wider audience, including budget-conscious consumers who may have previously opted for Windows PCs. By aligning prices with market demand and inflation, Apple is making its products more accessible without compromising on quality. This strategy positions the company as a serious contender in the budget segment, traditionally dominated by Windows-based devices. Key Strengths and Considerations The M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini excel in several critical areas, making them standout choices in their respective categories: Performance: The M4 chip delivers industry-leading speed and energy efficiency for budget devices. The M4 chip delivers industry-leading speed and energy efficiency for budget devices. Battery Life: The MacBook Air offers extended usage, ideal for users who need portability and reliability. The MacBook Air offers extended usage, ideal for users who need portability and reliability. Build Quality: Both devices feature Apple's signature durability and sleek design. Both devices feature Apple's signature durability and sleek design. Software Optimization: macOS ensures seamless integration, stability, and reliability. However, there are some limitations to consider. Gaming support on macOS remains limited compared to Windows PCs, which may deter users seeking a device for high-performance gaming. Additionally, while the M4 Mac Mini offers impressive performance for its price, users requiring advanced customization or specialized hardware may find it less suitable than custom-built PCs. Despite these considerations, both devices are well-suited for a wide range of applications, from productivity and creative work to everyday computing tasks. Reshaping the Budget Computing Landscape Apple's introduction of the M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini marks a significant shift in its market strategy. By delivering high-quality devices at competitive prices, Apple is not only challenging its competitors but also reshaping consumer expectations for value and performance in the tech industry. This move could influence future innovations, with potential updates like the M5 and M6 chips likely to build on this momentum. These devices highlight Apple's commitment to making premium technology more accessible. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, the M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini offer exceptional value, combining affordability with the performance and reliability that Apple is known for. As Apple continues to expand its presence in the budget computing market, these products stand as a testament to the company's ability to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer needs. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on M4 MacBook Air. Source & Image Credit: Max Tech Filed Under: Apple, Laptops, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
