Top 5 Laptops Under $700: A Comprehensive Guide for 2023

The world of technology and computers is constantly evolving, with new products being released almost every day. As a result, the decision to buy a laptop has become more difficult than ever before. Given the vast array of options available, it's essential to know what to look for to get the best value for your money. This article will guide you through the key factors to consider when buying a laptop and review the top five laptops available in the market for under 700 USD.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop

Choosing the right laptop for your needs can be a daunting task, especially considering the wide range of options available on the market. However, knowing what to look for can make this process a lot simpler. Here are some key factors you should consider when buying a laptop:

Performance

Performance is undoubtedly one of the most critical factors to consider. This is largely determined by the components of the laptop, including the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage.

Processor (CPU): The processor is the brain of the computer, affecting the performance of all its functions. A powerful processor will allow for seamless multitasking and faster execution of tasks. Most laptops come with either Intel or AMD processors. For a budget under $700, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is a suitable choice.

Memory (RAM): RAM allows your computer to run multiple applications at once without slowing down. A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended for most users, allowing for efficient multitasking.

Storage: There are two types of storage: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD). SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, but they're also more expensive. For this budget, a laptop with at least 256GB SSD would be a good fit.

Battery Life

If you plan to use your laptop on the go, then battery life is a crucial factor. Look for a laptop that offers at least 8 hours of battery life to ensure it can last through a full day of work or school without needing to be plugged in.

Durability

A laptop is an investment, and you would want it to last for several years. Check the build quality of the laptop. Laptops with a metal body are typically more durable than those with a plastic body. The quality of the keyboard and the trackpad are also worth considering.

Display

The laptop's display affects your experience when watching videos, editing photos, or just browsing the web. A full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels) is a must-have for clear, sharp images. Also, consider whether you prefer a touchscreen, as this feature can add to the cost.

Portability

If you plan to carry your laptop around, you should consider its weight and size. Smaller laptops with a screen size of 13-14 inches are lighter and easier to carry around.

Connectivity

Make sure the laptop has the necessary ports for your needs. This can include USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI output for connecting to a monitor, and an SD card slot if you need to transfer photos from a camera.

Operating System

Most laptops come with one of three operating systems: Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS. Windows is the most versatile, while macOS is favored by those who prefer Apple's ecosystem. Chrome OS, on the other hand, is a lightweight OS suitable for users who primarily work with web applications.

Budget

Lastly, keep your budget in mind. The best laptop for you is one that fits your needs and budget. Under $700, you can find laptops with good performance, a durable build, and a decent display.

Top 5 Laptops under 700 USD

After considering all the factors, let's look at the top five laptops that offer the best value under 700 USD.

HP Pavilion 15

The HP Pavilion 15 is a versatile laptop with a powerful Intel Core i5 processor that ensures smooth performance even when multitasking. It boasts 8GB of RAM for efficient performance and a 512GB SSD that provides ample space and speedy access to your files and applications. It has a sturdy construction and features a 15.6" Full HD display that delivers crisp visuals. The battery life is commendable, standing at around 8 hours.

Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 is another excellent option, powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 processor and equipped with 8GB RAM. This laptop offers a 256GB SSD for fast boot-up times and data access. It has a 15.6" Full HD display for sharp and vibrant visuals, with the added benefit of Acer's Color Intelligence technology for more vivid colors. Its battery life is around 8 hours, ensuring productivity on the go.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, providing a smooth performance. It has a 14" Full HD display that offers good color reproduction and viewing angles. One unique feature is the physical webcam shutter for enhanced privacy. The laptop provides a decent battery life of approximately 8 hours.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000

The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 offers a blend of performance and design. It's powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, accompanied by 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. This laptop features a 15.6" Full HD display with narrow bezels for an immersive viewing experience. It offers around 7 hours of battery life.

ASUS VivoBook 15

The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a stylish and compact laptop that packs an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It has a 15.6" Full HD display with a unique four-sided NanoEdge design for a near-borderless viewing experience. The battery life is around 6 hours.

4. Comparison Table of the Top 5 Laptops

Laptop Processor RAM Storage Display Battery Life
HP Pavilion 15 Intel Core i5 8GB 512GB SSD 15.6" Full HD 8 hours
Acer Aspire 5 AMD Ryzen 5 8GB 256GB SSD 15.6" Full HD 8 hours
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 AMD Ryzen 5 8GB 256GB SSD 14" Full HD 8 hours
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Intel Core i5 8GB 256GB SSD 15.6" Full HD 7 hours
ASUS VivoBook 15 AMD Ryzen 5 8GB 256GB SSD 15.6" Full HD 6 hours

Detailed Review of Each Laptop

In this section, we'll provide a detailed review of each laptop, examining their performance, durability, battery life, display, and design.

HP Pavilion 15

Performance: The HP Pavilion 15 is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, providing powerful performance for multitasking and productivity tasks. Coupled with 8GB of RAM, this laptop handles multiple open tabs and applications without a hitch. The 512GB SSD offers more than enough space for storing files and ensures quick boot times.

Durability: This laptop has a sturdy build, with a blend of high-quality plastic and metal in its construction, ensuring durability for everyday use.

Battery Life: The HP Pavilion 15 offers approximately 8 hours of battery life, which is suitable for a full day of work or school.

Display: The 15.6" Full HD display delivers sharp and clear visuals, making it suitable for content consumption and productivity tasks.

Design: The design is simple yet elegant, featuring a sleek profile and a comfortable keyboard. It is fairly portable, making it a good option for those on the move.

Acer Aspire 5

Performance: Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Acer Aspire 5 handles everyday tasks effortlessly. It comes with a 256GB SSD, which, although half the size of the HP Pavilion 15's, still provides plenty of storage space for most users.

Durability: Acer Aspire 5 boasts a premium look with a sturdy aluminum top cover. The build quality is commendable for its price point.

Battery Life: The battery life is on par with the HP Pavilion 15, offering up to 8 hours of runtime.

Display: Its 15.6" Full HD display produces good color accuracy and sharpness. The Acer Color Intelligence feature optimizes display performance, delivering more vibrant colors.

Design: The Acer Aspire 5 has a stylish design, with a slim profile and a backlit keyboard for ease of use in dimly lit environments. It is lightweight and easily portable.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Performance: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, ensuring smooth performance for daily computing tasks. It has 8GB of RAM for efficient multitasking and a 256GB SSD for fast data access.

Durability: The build quality of the IdeaPad 3 is solid. It features a sturdy plastic body, providing durability for everyday use.

Battery Life: With approximately 8 hours of battery life, this laptop can comfortably last through a typical workday.

Display: The 14" Full HD display provides decent color accuracy and contrast levels. The smaller display size may be a drawback for some, but it contributes to the laptop's portability.

Design: The laptop has a minimalist design with a compact form factor. A unique feature is the physical webcam shutter, providing an extra layer of privacy.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000

Performance: The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing good overall performance. It handles multitasking well and boots up quickly.

Durability: This laptop has a plastic body but doesn't compromise on build quality. It feels robust and durable enough for daily use.

Battery Life: The battery life is a bit lower than its counterparts, providing around 7 hours of use, which should still be sufficient for most users.

Display: The 15.6" Full HD display with narrow bezels offers an immersive viewing experience, providing good color reproduction and contrast levels.

Design: The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 boasts a modern and sleek design, with a silver finish and a slim profile. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the laptop overall has a sturdy feel.

ASUS VivoBook 15

Performance: Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM, the ASUS VivoBook 15 delivers smooth performance for daily computing tasks. It has a 256GB SSD for speedy boot times and quick data access.

Durability: The VivoBook 15's build quality is solid with a plastic body and a brushed aluminum lid, ensuring durability for everyday use.

Battery Life: The battery life is somewhat shorter compared to the other laptops on this list, at around 6 hours. However, it's still suitable for several hours of continuous use.

Display: The laptop features a 15.6" Full HD display that offers good color reproduction and clarity. The four-sided NanoEdge design gives you more screen real estate in a smaller body.

Design: The ASUS VivoBook 15 stands out with its stylish and compact design. It has a unique color-blocking design and a compact body, making it highly portable. The ErgoLift hinge design improves typing comfort, making it a good choice for those who type a lot.

6. Use Cases of the Laptops

After the detailed reviews, let's look at the use cases of each laptop:

HP Pavilion 15: This laptop is suitable for students and professionals who need a powerful laptop for multitasking and everyday computing tasks. Its sturdy build and decent battery life make it a reliable choice for daily use.

Acer Aspire 5: This laptop is a great choice for users who need a blend of performance and portability. It's lightweight and has a slim profile, making it a good choice for those on the go.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3: Ideal for users who prioritize privacy and portability. The webcam shutter is a unique feature that not many laptops have. Its smaller size also makes it easy to carry around.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000: This laptop is suitable for users who want a blend of performance and immersive multimedia experience. The narrow-bezel display makes it a good choice for media consumption.

ASUS VivoBook 15: This laptop is suitable for users who want a balance of performance, style, and comfort. Its unique design and ErgoLift hinge make it a good choice for those who value aesthetics and ergonomics.

Conclusion

Choosing the best laptop under 700 USD can be a challenging task due to the variety of options available on the market. However, keeping your specific needs and preferences in mind, coupled with understanding the key features to look for, can help you make a suitable choice.

The HP Pavilion 15 offers robust performance and storage capabilities, making it a versatile choice for a variety of users. The Acer Aspire 5 delivers excellent performance coupled with portability. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a good option for those seeking privacy, and the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 offers an immersive multimedia experience. The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a stylish option with unique features such as the ErgoLift hinge.

Remember that the best laptop for you is not necessarily the most expensive one or the one with the most features. It is the one that fits your personal needs, preferences, and budget.

Remember to verify the current prices before purchasing, as prices can fluctuate due to various factors. Also, make sure to read reviews and do your own research. Hopefully, this guide has made your laptop shopping experience a bit easier.

Remember, a laptop is a significant investment that should serve you for several years. Thus, taking the time to choose wisely will pay off in the long run. Good luck with your search!

  • May 28, 2023
  • Category: News
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