You can get a capable notebook with plenty of memory, storage, and optical-drive options for $1,000 or less. Here's what you need to know before you buy.
PROCESSOR
Many low-cost systems come equipped with dual-core CPUs like Intel’s Core Duo and Core 2 Duo and AMD's Turion processors. These mobile chips deliver longer battery life, stronger performance, and cooler running temperatures than mobile CPUs of yesteryear. Save a little money by opting for lower clock speeds, such as 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz, which still offer enough power to handle Microsoft's Windows Vista OS. Tiny netbooks are using Intel's Atom low-power mobile processor, which is currently a single-core chip, but a dual-core Atom is due later this year.
MEMORY
Inadequate system memory can drastically reduce overall performance, so don't be too frugal. If you can afford it, we recommend 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM, which will boost overall performance and keep Windows Vista running smoothly. 512MB or 1GB is adequate for netbooks running Linux or Windows XP. Also, be on the lookout for any free memory upgrades at time of purchase—many PC makers offer specials that double the amount of installed RAM.
GRAPHICS
Most low-cost laptops will disappoint gamers because they use more-affordable integrated graphics rather than dedicated 3D chips. When coupled with at least 1GB of RAM, Intel's latest GMA X3100 graphics chipset does support Windows Vista and its graphics-intensive Aero interface. You may find a few budget notebooks with lower-end dedicated chips, however, such as the ATI Radeon HD 2400 or nVidia GeForce 8400M. While they won’t rip through the latest titles at the highest resolutions, these Vista-compatible cards should satisfy casual gamers with their 128MB or 256MB of dedicated video RAM and DirectX 10 support.
HARD DRIVE
As hard-drive prices drop, larger models have started to trickle down into budget notebooks. The more storage you can afford, the better, especially if you have a big digital media collection. We’ve seen low-cost systems with drives as big as 250GB. While slower 4,200rpm hard drives cost less, opt for a drive with a rotational speed of 5,400rpm. Some netbooks forgo traditional hard drives in favor of a solid-state drive (SSD), which offers a faster boot time, lower weight, and increased resistance to shock. Budget-price SSDs are often very low in capacity, however—8GB is a popular drive size.
OPTICAL DRIVE
Go for a multiformat (DVD±RW) DVD burner, which writes to both plus- and minus-format DVD media. If you have no need or desire to burn DVDs, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, which burns only CDs, will serve you well. Netbooks aren't big enough to come with an internal optical drive.
CASE
In terms of size and weight, budget notebooks span every category, from itty-bitty ultraportables that weigh less than 3 pounds to hulking desktop replacements that can be more than 7 pounds. What size you choose should depend on your need for portability, though keep in mind that the plastic cases typically used for budget notebooks aren’t the most durable. You’ll still find plenty of budget models with bland-looking black or gray cases, but some manufacturers offer a more exciting variety of color options and designs for their low-cost systems.
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
Integrated 802.11 wireless networking (Wi-Fi) is an essential feature. Look for a notebook with a Wi-Fi card that supports the 802.11a, g and Draft N wireless standards. Draft N makes use of multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) technology, which reduces signal interference and provides greater range and throughput, up to a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 300Mbps. Budget notebooks typically do not include Bluetooth wireless connectivity, although most manufacturers give you the option to add it.
DISPLAY
Although many budget laptops sport a 14.1- or 15.4-inch wide-screen LCD, notebook screen sizes can range from 7 to 17 inches. Most displays come with a glossy coating that provides a better viewing experience when watching movies. Some people don't like the reflectivity of these glossy screens, however, so be sure to check out a laptop's display in person before you buy. If you want to use your laptop for video conferencing, be sure your screen comes with a built-in Webcam, or that the notebook’s manufacturer offers one as a configuration option. If you want to use your notebook for video conferencing, opt for a system with a Webcam built in to its display bezel.
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