When it comes to student laptops, the cost is really important since this section of the notebook-buying crowd is on a stiff budget. I am writing about some of the best budget laptops I have ever tested in my labs. This list was compiled last year too but making writing about it again was a different experience. Economic climate has changed now and notebook makers are not that generous with components and features for the budget systems. The manufacturers refuse to go below a certain price limit as they believe that users are better off with a Netbook if they don’t have much money to spend.

Amongst this list, the Asus K501J-BBZ5 is my favorite; it is based on an Intel dual core chip (this is not the current Core i3 processor which you will find on many step up notebooks). My only gripe here is that there is no HDMI output. Be wary of this if you are a movie bluff. This laptop won’t be able to entertain you well in the dorm room. On the bright side, the battery life is really good; you can stay away from the power plug for a significant amount of time. Other laptops in this list mostly feature either a dual core AMD processor or single core Intel processor. They are not that fast but can get the work done. Remember, this list is made for the budget users.

Toshiba Satellite C665-S5049

This is an entry level notebook from Toshiba. It won’t turn heads with the modest features and plain looks. But still I chose this laptop because it is really affordable and has everything that you’d want in a back to school laptop. The cost of this computer is $329.99.

Asus K501J-BBZ5

I chose this laptop for its solid build quality. The design is attractive; it’s pleasing to the eye and the performance too is as good as other laptops in this category. The touch pad supports multitouch gestures which is really impressive in a back to school laptop. This computer will cost you $549.99 at Best Buy. As mentioned above, the only thing it is missing is the HDMI port.

Dell Inspiron iM501R-1212PBL

There is again a problem of slow performance here but factors like attractive looks and low price makes it a mouth watering deal. The audio output is also better than what I have seen on other laptops in the past.

HP Pavilion dv5-2035dx

A laptop based on AMD processor which strikes a fine balance between mainstream and budget laptops. The design is updated and pleasing to the eye but the performance is average. Touch pad is also revamped but I had a lot of frustrating moments with it. You will have to pay $599.99 for this laptop.

HP G62-225DX

Again a mixed pie; this laptop is both affordable and attractive but there are a few spoilers like stiff mouse button and low battery life. On the plus side, the performance is again on par with other notebooks in this category and there is HDMI port too. Price of this notebook is $549.99.

Toshiba Satellite L645D-S4030

An Excellent budget laptop but it disappoints in battery life. There is nothing too impressive about this computer though and there are better offers available in the market. You will have to stay close to the power plug most of the time with this laptop. Cost of this computer is $579.99.

HP Compaq Presario CQ62-215DX

I usually hesitate recommending laptops with sluggish performance but I will make this an exception; looking at the ultra low price. There is nothing impressive about the single core processor inside and the stiff mouse buttons add to the misery. But the keyboard is comfortable, the display is roomy enough and the low price of $379.99 is enough to earn my recommendation.

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