The first question a laptop shopper should ask is, what will this computer be used for? A laptop that will be used mostly for word processing and business work should have different specifications than one that will be used to play computer games. For ultra-portable word processing, netbooks are a good choice. These small cheap laptops are smaller and cheaper than their bigger cousins, and usually fit into a standard bag for easy transport. They make great cheap laptops for students. Asus, Lenovo, and MSI are established netbook makers whose computers average in the low $200s. A laptop that will be used for graphics-intensive computer games or design, however, should have a larger screen and more memory. Toshiba, Compaq, and Acer all make good computers for less money: a basic Compaq Presario with 2GB memory costs around $299, and similar offerings from Toshiba and Acer are under $400.

The next question to ask is, what specific model should this laptop be? There are only so many ways to build a computer, and many companies offer copies of what is essentially the same computer. To decide between similarly-priced versions of the same thing, consider each company’s reputation for the durability of its products. How long does each company’s laptops typically last? What kind of guarantees do they offer on their products? Can a customer send in their broken laptop for repairs, or are there repair shops conveniently located? Since even expensive computers inevitably have hardware trouble, the laptop you buy may be less important than the service you buy with it.

The third thing to consider is, can a laptop be tested before it is purchased? Even if a laptop is bought online, often the same or similar model can be tested in stores to make sure it will meet the customer’s expectations. Before you order any laptop online, write down the maker and model and then check with local electronics stores to see whether they carry it in stock. Even if you plan to buy it elsewhere, it is worth the time to go and examine a computer in person to see whether you like the design and its performance.

Finally, the last thing to consider when buying any laptop, but especially an inexpensive one, is how to make it yours! Personalization is important and can make a computer something special, not just a tool. Cheap laptopsare often more standardized than more expensive ones, with fewer custom options, so taking advantage of what customization is available can make a huge difference. Don’t like the boring back of your laptop? Consider buying a “skin” or wrap for your computer. Skins come in many colors and designs, from many different companies–some will even allow you to create your own design and have it custom-made. Accessories like skins or wireless mice can make your laptop experience more fun, more productive, and an even better value for your money.

1. Look at sales ads for local stores that sell laptops. Most stores come out with new sales ads on a weekly basis so it is a good idea to look at these sales ads for at least a month to see if you spot the lowest price. By investing time in looking at these ads you are sure to find the sales patterns of the stores and you are also sure to run across the best sales on laptops.

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2. Search online for the lowest prices on laptops/notebooks. There are some great websites that offer computers and electronics at discounted prices. Often times people are most successful in getting some great prices on laptops on the internet because there is such vast competition and there are so many more options than at local stores.

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3. Keep your eye out for computers on clearance. Often times you can find laptops/notebooks on clearance at local electronic stores or on the internet. You will likely find the best prices on laptops/notebooks when they are on clearance. One drawback to this is that the product is probably discontinued. Be sure you are still able to have warranty coverage even though it is a clearance item.

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4. When purchasing a laptop/notebook on sale, discount, or clearance always be sure that you are purchasing a quality warranty with it. You will often find that the computer has a warranty through the company that makes the laptop. This is great to pay attention to because it will further save you money from having to purchase an additional and expensive warranty from the store. If you find yourself spending a lot of money on warranty through the store it is almost as if you are not saving any money at all from the sale.

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Purchasing a laptop/notebook does not have to be a difficult or expensive process. With the right preparation and product research you can find a quality laptop/notebook at a fantastic price. Follow these tips for some great success when shopping for your new laptop/notebook on a budget.

To buy an very cheap laptop, the first thing you need to figure out is how much can your budget be. Depending on your budget size, you can differentiate between what kind of specifications you would want and what you would get. You would really need to dig in to the kind of specifications you want and that solely depends on the budget you have. Cheap laptops for students are going to have different functions that cheap laptops used for gaming.

You can either go in go in for a brand new low price laptop, a second hand one or sometimes you can come across a free laptop. However, buying a brand new laptop from the stores is appealing because of the benefits like warranty, good condition and long lasting batteries, and being the first person to use it, you have the assurance that it definitely would work without any glitches. You would also want to get it from a known laptop manufacturer like Lenovo, HP etc.

It is possible to get discounts from sales especially from bulk deals that take place with companies and educational institutes. If you are working or studying or know anyone who is, you can try to arrange a laptop at discount from the bulk deals that are available there. Make sure you have your list of specifications ready when you enter a store or even if you want to get it second hand. Whether you want it for homework or for games or for business or Internet, make sure you have the right specifications for the same.

However, just because you want an inexpensive one should not mean you ought to compromise everything that you need as long as your budget can handle it. Having specifications ready means that no sales guy would be able to force something onto you and you just might be able to walk away with the best laptop for your budget. Buying cheap laptopsonline can help possibly get some of the best deals available especially in bid price web sites like E-bay.

Be sure that you get some security on such deals like warranty or being able to get a refund. Its always advisable to go in for a new and cheap laptop rather than going for a second hand one, because you will be relaxed knowing that you are using one, right off the shelf or out of the factory.

1 – HP Pavillion dv5t

The dv5t features an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, up to 4096MB DDR2 System Memory, NVIDIA GeForce Go graphics available and 15.4″ diagonal WXGA BrightView Widescreen. It only weighs 5.5lbs Starting price $1100.00

2 – Dell Studio 15

This screen is just 15.4″, it’s OS is Windows Vista® Home Premium, 2.00GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, with 3GB of memory. CD/DVD burner, 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450 video card. As well as a 56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell). Starting price $749.00

3 – Lenovo ThinkPad T61

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2), genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, it’s screen is only 14.1″, Hard Drive 160GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm with Disk Encryption, 2 GB PC2-5300 Memory, 9 cell Li-Ion Battery. Starting price $1082.00

4 – Dell XPS M1530

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor ,Genuine Windows Vista ® Home Premium Edition,Size: 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive, 2GB memory, 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS, along with a 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery. Starting price $999.00

5 – Sony VAIO FW

It’s screen is 16.4″ makes it great to watch DVD’s and Blu Ray discs. Weighs only 6.4lbs, Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium . Capable to hold 400GB hard drive, 4GB RAM and a 2.80GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. A battery life of five and a half hours. Starting price $1059.00

6 – Toshiba Satillite A305/A300

AMD Turion™ X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-70, 4GB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz SDRAM, 320GB hard drive, a 15.4″ display screen. Starting price $899.00

7 – Lenovo ThinkPad T400

2.0MB Intel® Core™ 2 duo processor, Genuine Windows Vista ® Business Edition, The T400 has 14.1? display screen, up to 320GB of hard drive, and 8GB RAM, The unit weighs quite a bit less than most at 4.7lbs. Starting price $1130.00

8 – Dell XPS M1330

2.0MB Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor, Genuine Windows Vista ® Home Premium Edition, It comes with built-in camera Standard Display with 2.0 Megapixel Webcam, 2GB of memory,Size: 160GB 5400RPM Hard Drive, Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 video card. Starting price $949

9 - HP pavilion dv6700t

The HP Pavilion dv6700t Entertainment Notebook PC delivers a 15.4″ Brightview display, dazzling new high-gloss design, Intel’s Core Duo processors and the option to upgrade to an Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics card with 256MB dedicated video memory. The weight is up there at 6.3lbs Starting price $899.00

10 – Dell Insprion 1525

1.0M/2.0GHz Intel® Celeron® 550, Genuine Windows Vista® SP1 Home Basic Edition, 15.4 diplay screen, 1GB memory, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 video card. Starting price $499