With an exponential increase in demand for computing devices, we often ponder about the fact “Does it make sense to buy a cheap laptop” given the availability of affordable devices in the technology market increasing rapidly.
There are different functionalities associated with laptops, which are entirely dependent on the user preferences when considered for long-term usage.
Anything that has cheap associated with its name does not call for a lucrative business model. However, providing gadgets that do not make a hole in our pocket is of utmost importance in the technology sector.
Laptops that are performance-centric and offer a good value for money are not generally very expensive.
Does It Make Sense To Buy A Cheap Laptop In 2021
Laptops are available in different price segments based on the type of task being performed. This is due to various types of needs, ranging from students to working professionals.
Until and unless graphics-intensive tasks are being performed, cheaper devices that can handle multitasking are easily able to get us through the day. Here we have given a few aspects, which you can consider before getting a new laptop in the affordable segment.
Things To Consider Before Getting A Cheap Laptop
The devices within the cheap segment have certain aspects that must be kept in mind before buying one. A user has specific needs, be it a student who needs a laptop for online classes or a working professional to attend meetings, or game designers and graphic artists who need a high functioning device able to handle a lot of graphic-intensive tasks.
Performance
The latest models from any brand, even in the cheap segment, do not compromise on performance. An increase in competition has curated the way towards better quality devices at a competitive price range.
The performance of a laptop is dependent on its memory speed, multi-tasking abilities, and processor speed. Therefore the latest generation of chipsets, which are used, can efficiently handle day-to-day tasks.
The efficiency of different devices has increased multifold that provide a good value for money. Newer devices are great for multimedia, online classes, and business needs, though neither of them comes with a hefty price tag.
Display
Bought mainly for using professionally, laptops used for watching movies, and other types of content should have a decent display resolution. A good quality display helps make it a more suitable device to buy and makes it easier to perform specific tasks.
An increase in demand for devices, in the cheap segment, has helped in improving the quality of display used in laptops.
Previously laptops in the budget segment used to have LCD displays, but even in the cheapest of devices, LED has made its way in the cheap price range.
Storage
Laptops are gradually shifting from HDD to SSD due to better performance. SSDs can load applications and read or write data at a much faster rate. Usually, HDDs are cheaper and have more storage capacity, at least double compared to a SSD within similar price range.
The point to be considered here is that nowadays, the need for higher storage capacity is decreasing rapidly with the rise in cloud storage facilities.
Laptops with at least 256 GB of SSD storage are easily available within the cheap range, thus making it easier for an user to choose from.
RAM & Graphics Memory
Users may compromise a few features while getting a new laptop, but neither RAM or graphics memory should be compromised because that directly impacts the long-term usage and performance of a device.
Even the cheapest of devices nowadays have 8GB DDR4 memory and 4 GB graphics memory with provisions to increase them later if a user wants to future proof their device at a later stage.
Performance is of key importance for users getting laptops in the cheap segment. The latest devices sold in the market are keeping these aspects in mind while putting up a new product.
Battery
The battery is another essential aspect of a device that becomes a deciding factor before getting a new laptop. Cheap or costly, decent battery life is vital in a laptop, which serves as our primary device to work, study, or multi-task.
It is always better to use a laptop connected to a direct power supply while at home. However, when you are working at an outdoor location, a good battery life always helps to take you through the day. An average of more than 10 to 12 hours of battery life is more than sufficient for such activities.
FAQs
What should I keep in mind before buying a cheap laptop?
Most importantly, does it make sense to buy a cheap laptop is entirely dependent on your requirements. If you are someone who does not engage in graphics-intensive games or use your laptop for 3D modeling or photoshop, a decently priced laptop with an emphasis on performance is all you need.
Should I compromise on performance while getting a cheaper laptop?
Not at all. You should remember that the rise in competition has created a way towards better quality devices at a much affordable price. The basic requirements for daily usage are met by devices in cheap segments also.
Do cheaper laptops get damaged easily?
Brands have an image to maintain. However cheap a product may be, low-priced devices shouldn’t get damaged easily. Since quality checks are mandatory, most of the fundamental real-world issues are covered.
Which features are usually missing in a cheap laptop?
The brands have distributed features based on price range, whether a complete touchscreen device or a higher range processor of the latest generation, SSD, RAM, and better quality display.
Conclusion
Advancement in the field of technology is directly related to products being cheap and affordable. The essential functions, which make a device noteworthy, from performance, display, and battery to overall aesthetics, need to be modern.
Keeping all these aside, a query on “Does it make sense to buy a cheap laptop” in 2021 relies on higher RAM capacity (at least 4 to 8 GB of DDR4 memory), a SSD, and multi-tasking capabilities because that is precisely what makes a laptop stand out, even in the cheaper segment.
