DisplayĪ great laptop should have a sharp screen with a resolution of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) or higher, even if it costs below $500. But don’t worry - our top picks still deliver reliable performance in this department. And while the AMD and Intels we recommend above are great in this price range, they’re not the most powerful. That’s because a cutting-edge processor is mandatory for stellar battery life. We’ll be honest: When it comes to battery life, be mindful that affordable laptops can’t last as long between charges as higher-end models. Most lower-priced notebooks with Intel hardware are suitable for casual and light productivity use. Their Radeon graphics make even light gaming a possibility. In 2023, we suggest products with an AMD Ryzen chip or a 12th-generation Intel processor if you are looking to get the most oomph for the money.ĪMD-powered laptops in this price category are typically more capable than Intel-toting ones. Having said that, you should invest in a laptop with a processor that’s as powerful and up-to-date as possible. You might be scoring a laptop under $500, but you shouldn’t sacrifice processing speed because of it.

The processor, the display panel, the type of storage, and the available connectivity options should factor into your decision. Specs are always important when shopping for a new laptop, regardless of budget.

Ideapad flex 3