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Top 5 budget notebooks

By Darius Chang
Aug 12, 2008

Not all of us need a speed demon-possessed laptop. True, it would be nice to have a blazing-fast 2.5GHz Core 2 Duo machine laced with 4GB of memory and mixed with a high-end discrete graphics card. Naturally, such a system will run the bill way past the S$2,500 (US$1,840.63) mark. But if emails and surfing the Internet are all you do, why use a Porsche just to drive two streets down to the grocery store?

A basic system is really all you need. The latest Core 2 Duo processor? Don't bother. Discrete graphics? Save the cash. However, we do recommend that no matter which system you choose, max out the RAM. It makes a big difference in performance for a relatively small price. Moreover, forgo single-core systems as dual-core machines these days cost only a little more but give a significant performance boost.

For those with eagle eyes, you might have noticed that despite their low cost, Netbooks are not included in the budget lineup. Due to their small screens and compromises made in terms of feature set and keyboard comfort, this category of machines are not considered full-fledged laptops, but as computing companions to be used for quick sessions of emailing and Internet surfing. As such, this roundup will only focus on cheap laptops with decent-sized displays and full keyboard until such a time when Netbooks such as the rumored 12.1-inch Dell E Slim enters the market.

Note: The selection is based on listed retail prices at Singapore Sim Lim Square stores and Dell's online store correct as of August 12, 2008. Models from the same series are represented only once. All prices reflect the prevailing 7 percent sales tax.

Click here for a feature comparison table.
1.  Truenote FU420 (Pentium Dual-Core Processor 1.73GHz, 1GB RAM)

Outlook: It may lack Bluetooth and a Windows operating system, but at a price point which trumps even Netbooks this budget portable comes with a large display, dual-core performance, full-sized keyboard and decent connectivity ports.
Specifications: Pentium Dual-Core 1.73GHz processor; 1GB RAM; 14.1-inch display; 120GB HDD; DVD writer; Linux operating system


Price: S$699 (US$514.64)

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2.  Acer Extensa 4620Z (Pentium Dual-Core Processor 1.86GHz, 1GB RAM)

Outlook: Sure, the processor is last generation and it's also missing Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Extensa 4620Z hits pay dirt with its wallet-friendly price tag and packs enough features to satisfy most consumers.
Specifications: Pentium Dual-Core 1.86GHz processor; 1GB RAM; 14.1-inch display; 120GB HDD; DVD writer; Linux operating system


Price: S$889 (US$654.53)

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3.  HP 520 (Core Duo Processor 1.83GHz, 512MB RAM)

Outlook: The HP 520 was designed for the budget business user in mind, though we expect its low price will also attract more than its fair share of home users as well. Though the Core Duo chipset is several generations behind, the Windows Vista Business operating system is definitely in step with the times. Best of all, you can even opt to downgrade to Windows XP Professional if you have a soft spot for the older platform.
Specifications: Core Duo 1.83GHz processor; 3GB RAM; 14.1-inch display; 120GB HDD; DVD writer; Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Professional Edition


Price: S$899 (US$661.89)

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4.  Toshiba Satellite L300 (Core Duo Processor 1.73GHz, 1GB RAM)

Outlook: Despite its low cost, the 15.4-inch L300 come with a face-recognition Webcam and USB Sleep-and-Charge ports. The latter allows USB devices to be charged even while the laptop is turned off. DVD writer and Wi-Fi radio are standard, though a small compromise has been made with the Ethernet port which supports only 10/100Mbps.
Specifications:Core Duo 1.73GHz processor; 1GB RAM; 15.4-inch display; 120GB HDD; DVD writer; Windows Vista Home Business Edition


Price: S$899 (US$661.89)

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5.  Dell Inspiron 1525 (Pentium Dual-Core Processor 1.86GHz, 2GB RAM)
 
CNET Asia rating: 7.3 out of 10
The good: Slimmed-down design; low starting price; high-end extras are available, including HDMI and touch-sensitive media control buttons.
The bad: Not as many configuration options as some of Dell's other laptops; plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy; base S$1,199 configuration about as powerful as an abacus.
The bottom line: Taking consumer complaints to heart, Dell updates its mainstream 15-inch laptop with the Inspiron 1525. It's thinner, lighter, and less expensive than its predecessor.
Specifications: Pentium Dual-Core 1.86GHz processor; 2GB RAM; 15.4-inch display; 120GB HDD; DVD writer; Windows Vista Home Basic Edition


Price: S$1,198.40 (US$882.32) inclusive of delivery

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