In the Market for a New Laptop? How to Avoid the Too-Cheap and the Overpriced

If you are in the market for a new laptop, you have probably noticed that prices range from around $500 to thousands of dollars. If you spend too little, and you will end up frustrated with a slow, flimsy laptop that will not hold up. But if you spend too much, you may be paying for power and features that you will never use.

Let us help you get the best value for your money and show you the sweet spot where price and quality meet,

Here is Why That Laptop Is So Cheap

Seeing a cheap laptop might seem like an incredible deal, but there are reasons why these laptops are priced so low. It may be old stock using old components or manufacturers may be cutting costs in ways that aren’t always obvious at first but can make a big difference in everyday use. Some ways in which manufacturers cut costs are:

1. Cheaper build quality. Low-cost laptops often use plastic that flexes under pressure, and hinges that may start breaking after a couple of years.
2. Lower specifications. Most budget laptops come with only 8GB of RAM (or memory). This is a very basic amount of RAM needed for todays PC’s and we recommend at least 16GB for the best performance. Low cost laptops also have slower processors, which may be fine for basic tasks one at a time but struggle with multiple programs and applications open at the same time. The screens may also be a lower quality and the storage space low and slow.
3. Keyboard and touchpad issues. If you type a lot, you will notice the difference between a cheap, mushy-membrane keyboard and a well-built keyboard with proper key travel. Even the touchpad on a cheaper laptops feel imprecise and and can be frustrating to use.

These issues might not be obvious at first glance, but they can become daily annoyances that make using your laptop a chore. Paying slightly more upfront can mean a laptop that lasts years longer and provides a better experience.

How Not To Spend Too Much?

While it’s easy to see the downsides of buying too cheap, spending too much can also be a mistake. There comes a point where extra money does not give you much in return.

1. Think about what you actually need. If the laptop is to be used for browsing, email, Office apps, and other basic us, then a high-end machine is not needed; a mid-range laptop will handle those tasks just fine.
2. Do you really need the latest graphics card? Higher end laptops come with graphics card designed for specialised engineering, CAD / CAM, imaging or even gaming. If you are not in these industries you may not need or even benefit from a expensive graphics card.
3. High-powered machines for demanding users. The fastest CPU’s and large amounts of memory may look good on the spec sheet but do you actually need those features?
4. Touch Screens. Touch screens are great and are extremely useful on phones and tablets but will you use it on a laptop?

Want a High-Quality Laptop Without Overspending? Consider Business-Grade

One of our favourite recommendations for people who want a durable, well-built laptop without paying a fortune is to go for a business-grade laptop. These are designed for corporate environments, meaning:

1. Longer warranty. Business grade laptops have 2 or 3 year warranties. Consumer warranties are 1 year due to lesser quality components being used.
2. Better build quality. Business laptops are built to last and use higher-quality materials and components than consumer models.
3. Quicker to repair. Parts are easier to replace and support is generally faster and better.

Need Help Choosing the Right Laptop? We Can Help

With so many different options out there, buying a laptop can be tricky If you want to get the best value for your money, we can help you find the right fit. Whether it is identifying the best deals or supplying a high-quality business-grade laptop, we are here to make sure you get a laptop that is the “best bang for your buck!”.

Get in touch with us before you buy for a quick chat could save you frustration down the road!