Being an enthusiast laptop savvy, Evan Charles shares his wisdom on LaptopEcho to help others pick the right machine. He loves guiding people to get...
Laptops can be costly, especially if you are looking for a computer that packs a big screen. For some, money is a significant factor. But a small screen? It is a more substantial issue and you want a big screen!
So, what do you do? Do you get a small laptop just because you cannot exceed your budget? Hold that thought. Let me tell you about a couple of cheap 17-inch laptops that ensure the best performance within the decent price point of 500 bucks.
Needless to say, choosing the best laptop within a limited budget can be a bit confusing. But don’t you worry about that. I have already done the tedious homework for you. According to my findings after reviewing quite a few laptops, I present to you the 9 best 17-inch laptops under $500.
Are 17-Inch Laptops Expensive?
A common misconception about 17-inch laptops is that they come with a hefty price tag. While some 17-inch laptops can be heavily expensive, many laptops do not cost a fortune. You can find a lot of 17-inch laptops for a low price if you dig the market a bit deeper. Most brands offer a budget 17-inch laptop within a budget that’s manageable for most people.
If you are not looking for a premium and top-of-the-line 17-inch laptop, you can easily get one for a price as low as $500. They are not that expensive.
Why Buy A 17-Inch Laptop Under $500?
Small screens can turn out to be a massive problem for you if you have a need for larger screens. Most often, middle-aged people, hard-core gamers, and people who constantly work on laptops have it the hardest.
You can be pretty uncomfortable with small screens, mainly when doing something that works best on larger screens, like watching movies or editing videos. Most often, your eyes tire out and may cause nausea or headaches if you pull all-nighters or work for too long straight. This is exceptionally hazardous for your health.
To ensure a safer and healthier work experience, you must get a bigger screen. 17-inch laptops can be the perfect choice for this. You will not tire out your eyes and put a lot less strain on them.
While getting a 17-inch laptop, the budget can be an issue. If you are a student or managing jobs with low wages, you should save all the money you can. So, it would help if you cut out on your expenses as much as possible.
This is why you may want to look for 17-inch laptops under $500. A cheap laptop that will not harm your eyes is a worthy purchase. If you’re concerned about laptop screen replacement cost down the line, 17″ screens won’t be much further than 14″ ones.
Table of Contents:
Here is a quick rundown of all the topics I am going to cover in this article. I have also put hyperlinks to the specific issues discussed here for your convenience. Now you will be able to jump to any topic instantly as you see fit.
Comparison Chart:
Let me show you a short comparison chart of the laptops I’ve picked for this post. This will help you compare the specifications of one laptop with another.
| Laptop Model | Weight | Processor | RAM | Storage | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | 6.14 lbs | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | 8GB | 512GB HDD | HD+ |
| HP 17 inch 17-BY | 5.80 lbs | Intel core i5- 1035G1 | 12GB | 1TB HDD | HD |
| HP 2021 17 inch | 6.93 lbs | AMD Athlon 3050U | 4GB | 256GB SSD | HD |
| HP 17-CA 17 inch | 4.80 lbs | AMD Athlon 3150U | 8GB | 1TB HDD | HD |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 | 5.39 lbs | AMD Ryzen 7 3700U | 12GB | 1TB HDD and 128GB SSD | HD |
| HP 11th gen intel core i5 | 4.56 lbs | Intel core i5 1135G7 | 8GB | 256GB SSD | HD+ |
| HP HD 17.3 Notebook | 4.60 lbs | Intel core i3 5005U | 6GB | 1TB HDD | HD |
| ASUS VivoBook 17 | 5.84 lbs | Intel core i5 8265U | 8GB | 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD | HD |
| Lenovo Built Business Laptop | 6 lbs | Intel core i3 7100U | 6GB | 1TB HDD | HD+ |
9 Best 17 Inch Laptop Under $500 Reviews
I would like to share my list of the nine best 17-inch laptops now. All of these laptops have been adequately reviewed by me, and I assure you that not one of the laptops mentioned below will disappoint you in terms of performance, price, or looks.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Best Overall
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 deserves the top spot on my list for obvious reasons. I call it the best overall because this particular laptop covers it all, from a 17″ monitor, to high performing benchmarks.
Equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU and 8GB DDR4 RAM, this laptop courses through tasks blazing fast. Never lag behind your schedule with this machine. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 does not compromise its performance.
Despite dishing out insane processing power and a large, power-hungry 17″ display, Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers a considerable battery life. One full charge is enough to power you through your whole day. Perfect for students, business personnel, and media consumers.
It comes with a 512GB hard disk drive. You can store all your files, photos, media, and favorite shows on your Lenovo IdeaPad 3 without any holdback. And the best part? Its huge display will give you an immersive viewing experience for photos and videos.
On another note, I have to admit, for a laptop this cheap, I did not expect such finesse and cutting-edge look. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 can even outshine many ultra-slim notebooks in terms of thickness. This laptop is too good to be true.
The thermal solution used in Lenovo IdeaPad 3 keeps the laptop cool and quiet at the same time. Extended heat sinks beneath the board effectively transfer and spread the warmth. Exhaust ducts release the heated air from behind so that you can enjoy an incredible working experience without facing heating issues.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 |
| Processor | Ryzen 5 5500U |
| Core/Threads | Dual Core, 2.1 Ghz, |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Weight | 6.14 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.71 x 10.79 x 0.78 inches |
| Display Size & Resolution | 17″ 1600X900 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is the perfect combination of both high performance, and an immersive 17″ monitor. It’s cheap, fast and stylish. You can consider this laptop if you are looking for a computer that covers all the criteria and offers good battery life for the whole day.
2. HP 17 inch 17-BY – Best Storage
Do you need a larger internal disk space in your laptop to be on the go? Gather around, the HP 17-BY 17-inch laptop offers you the best solution. With a whopping 12 GB RAM and 1TB HDD, this mighty machine made its solid presence in both speed and capacity.
With an Intel Core i5 1035G1 CPU under the hood, HP 17-BY provides excellent performance in any given task. The Intel UHD integrated graphics will let you run all the essential software at ease.
You’ll never feel threatened by huge files or workload again. The HP 17-BY has got you. Coming in hot with 12GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB SATA HDD, this machine makes any other laptop feel short out there.
With a large display size of 17.3 inches and a resolution of 1920X1080, enjoy amazing color-fidelity and crystal-clear precise details in this laptop packed with a WLED IPS screen. The backlit, anti-glare display makes you feel like you are prized.
Do not let the low price fool you. HP 17-BY offers a lot of connectivity options. You will be getting multiple USB Type-A ports along with a headphone/microphone jack and HDMI port.
For the connectivity options in this laptop, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options provide a seamless wireless connection. Moreover, there is a built-in DVD writer/reader for further convenience in data reading or writing.
If you love keeping your laptop cool under pressure, you will be amazed by the cooling solution of this laptop. This computer does not generate extra heat or sound from its fan, thanks to the efficient CPU on board. The fans are automatically regulated, so you do not need to worry about aggressive power consumption.
Last but not least, you can expect a day’s run without charging in between with this laptop. You can easily breeze through your day with an average workload without the need to recharge.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | HP 17 inch 17-BY |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G1 |
| Core/Threads | 4 cores, 3.6 Ghz |
| RAM | 12 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non backlit |
| Weight | 5.80 lbs |
| Dimensions | 22 x 13.5 x 3 inches |
| Display Size and Resolution | 17″ 1920X1080 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
If you are in pursuit of a laptop with higher storage capacity with a huge RAM, HP 17-BY should be a good choice for you. This machine is built with power and passionate people who store large files and do ram hungry tasks. Go for this if you do not want to deal with lagging and memory issues.
3. HP 17-CA 17 inch – Best Value for Money
Looking for the laptop that claimed the title “bang for the buck”? Need the best value 17-inch laptop? Look no more. HP 17-CA is the undefeated champion for that title!
Powered by AMD Athlon 3150U and 8GB RAM, the HP 17-CA does not compromise performance. Get all your tasks done in a flash with the ultra-fast 3.30 GHz clock speed with two core CPUs and DDR4 RAM.
The HP 17-CA comes with 1TB HDD storage. Download and store all your important data, files, pictures, or movies without worrying about running out of space. You’ll never run out of ports with this laptop. HP 17-CA offers multiple USB ports as well as HDMI and display ports. You are also getting a DVD optical drive with the computer.
With the latest Lithium metal batteries, you can stay on top of your game much longer. No need to recharge after only a couple of hours of usage. The extended heat sinks and copper heat threads keep the HP 17-CA on its peak performance without heating up. The magnificent cooling solution handles any temperature issues without any problem.
Despite packing a performer beast into the build with a large 17.3″ monior, HP has kept the price pretty affordable. If you’re after an affordable laptop, consider this machine your way in.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | HP 17 inch 17-CA |
| Processor | AMD Athlon 3150U |
| Core/Threads | 2 cores, 3.2 Ghz |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non backlit |
| Weight | |
| Dimensions | 16.33 x 10.72 x 0.99 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1600X900 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
An excellent option for people who want it all. HP 17-CA gives a tough fight even against the most elite laptops in the market. If you are having trouble with your budget but want the performance, HP 17-CA could very well be your best option.
4. Lenovo Built Business Laptop – Best Business Laptop
If contemporary laptop designs are not your fashion and are into business, perhaps this laptop will catch your eyes. This business laptop is precisely what it says. It’s built for business and has a large screen for you to get more done.
Featuring an Intel Core i3 7100U CPU and 6GB RAM, Lenovo Built Business laptop can deal with most office and business-related works without a problem. Edit documents, prepare a presentation, build an excel sheet, go through your Outlook mailboxes seamlessly with Lenovo Built Business laptop.
Discover more with a 17-inch display filled with colors and details. The 1600X900 resolution display is much more comfortable while working or surfing the web. Also, for rich media consumption, this monitor is plenty capable with good enough color accuracy.
With a series of USB ports, display ports, and DVD optical drives, you no longer need annoying USB hubs to carry. Wireless connections are made easier with the latest generation Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support.
Featuring an elegant but not flashy design, Lenovo Built Business laptop means it’s business time. Meet your clients with much more sophisticated and professional looks with this machine.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | Lenovo Business Laptop |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 7100U |
| Core | 2 cores |
| RAM | 6GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non backlit |
| Weight | 4.80 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15x 11 x 1 inches |
| Display Size and Resolution | 17.3″ 1600X900 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
Lenovo Built Business Laptop can be a great option if you do not like glossy and flashy laptops. It offers decent performance for a low price and has a classic business look. You can choose this laptop if it appeals to your sense of style.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 – Best Professional
If a low-key, decent-performing laptop does not feel powerful enough to you, perhaps it is time for a computer with some serious juice along with a large 17″ monitor. Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 is just the thing you are looking for.
With AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 3700U CPU and AMD Radeon Vega 10 GPU, Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 delivers extreme performance. You are no longer bound to light office work.
The machine is ready to wreak havoc, slashing through all those complex, heavily graphics-based computing and visual programs. Run more sophisticated and taxing software like a walk in the park with this laptop.
Equipped with 12GB ultra-fast DDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD along with a 1TB HDD, this laptop has it all. Multitasking has never been faster with this laptop at your hands. Combining SSDs with super quick delivery and a massive capacity of HDD, you are set for any challenges.
Experience more vivid colors and clarity with its backlit, energy-efficient LED screen. Boasting only a 0.78″ thin and narrow bezel display, the 17-inch display is virtually borderless. It’s enough for professional works from designing to data-processing works.
Lenovo IdeaPad will never cease to surprise you with its limitless features. It has a top-notch fingerprint reader for an extra layer of security. A numeric keyboard, 720p front camera, and Dolby Atmos Audio system are some of the numerous features this laptop offers.
Want to level up your style in your workplace? Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 is an aesthetically pleasing laptop with a sleek and professional look. The laptop is lightweight and can be easily carried around.
As a professional, you always need to be in the best form yourself. Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 can be your perfect companion for this. With supercharged batteries, this laptop is always ready to perform.
You no longer need any external cooling pad or heat spreader for your laptop. The Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 already does the job itself. A slight heating issue is expected from a powerful laptop, but the Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 is fantastic at keeping itself chilled and silent.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 3700U |
| Core/Threads | 4 cores, 8 threads |
| RAM | 12GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 12GB SSD and 1TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non-backlit |
| Weight | 5.39 lbs |
| Dimensions | 11.07 x 15.78 x 0.78 inches |
| Display Size and Resolution | 17″ 1600X900 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 2020 is for professionals. No cap. It has the power, and it has the features. It is the best in its field. You want this particular piece of machine in case you are gunning for the extreme workloads.
6. HP 2021 17 inch – Best Budget King
Falling short on your budget? Urgent need of a laptop with a large screen? Why not go for the HP 2021 17-inch laptop? I did not think a 17-inch laptop could be this cheap. Delivering such a fantastic laptop within this short price range really shows how much HP cares for its customers.
For a budget laptop, HP 2021 17-inch laptop packs a punch. Equipped with an AMD Athlon 3050U processor and 4GB RAM, this laptop is perfect for working in the office or studying.
256 GB SSD will give you a fast and smooth experience while working, browsing the folders, or surfing the web. Combined with its high speed storage, the large monitor will ensure a higher work experience as you can now do more with a larger workspace.
With this laptop, you do not have to worry about battery life. Surprisingly, you can get up to 7 hours of uninterrupted working sessions with this laptop. Go for office works or university classes, not worrying about running out of charge.
The HP 2021 17-inch laptop does not come short on its looks. The minimalist and sleek design have kept the computer almost weightless, making it great for carrying around.
Even with its slim design, HP 2021 17 inch laptop doesn’t fall short on its cooling efficiency. Most slim laptops suffer from thermal throttling. This particular machine is immune from that. Enjoy maximum power with a chilled laptop.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | HP 2021 17 inch |
| Processor | AMD Athlon 3050U |
| Core/Threads | 2 cores, 3.2 Ghz |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non backlit |
| Weight | 4.56 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.74 x 10.14 x 0.81 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1600X900 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
Affordability can be a massive issue for you. Rather than being heartbroken, give a try to HP 2021 17-inch laptop. It certainly will not disappoint. I would suggest this laptop for most general purposes like office work or studying.
7. HP 17 11th gen Intel core i5 – Best Battery Life
Are you a person who is mostly on the move? Working outside most of the time is pretty common. So, your laptop must be able to keep up with you in your trades. The HP 17 11th gen Intel core i5 is perfect for people like you. With an unbelievable 8 hours of battery backup, this laptop is always ready whenever you are.
With an 11th gen Intel Core i5 1135G7 CPU under the hood, HP 17 is one of the fastest laptops under 500. An exquisite 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD make sure you have a smooth, swift, and responsive working experience.
Get to experience an incredibly vivid, colorful view with an anti-glare display featuring 1.4 million pixels. Miss nothing with intensive details filling your screen. With its large 17 inches monitor, you can take on any sort of job because of the larger space to work on.
Low on battery? HP 17 can get you up to 50% from 0% in just 45 minutes. Not only this, but the humongous battery also supports up to 8 hours of screen time. Always on the road? Not a problem with this machine.
The thermal solution implemented in this laptop is very efficient. You can work much longer with this laptop without any temperature problems. If you are traveling a lot and find yourself in warm places without air conditioning, this laptop is suitable for you as it doesn’t get heated quickly.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | HP 17 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 1135G7 |
| Core | 4 cores |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non backlit |
| Weight | 4.60 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.78 x 10.15 x 0.78 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1600X900 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
The HP17 is the optimum choice for you if you are always on the move. If you are a salesperson or marketing executive constantly shifting from place to place and occasionally using their laptop, the HP17 calls out to you.
8. HP HD 17.3 Notebook – Best Portable
Tired of carrying around heavy, powerful laptops? Looking for a lightweight 17-inch laptop? Take a look at this notebook. The HP HD 17.3 Notebook is light, trendy, and offers excellent performance within a short budget.
Powered by Intel Core i3 5005U processor and 6GB RAM, the notebook will not disappoint you while you are working. Whether it’s office work or a little study session, HP HD 17.3 Notebook has got your back.
With 1TB HDD storage, you will never have to worry about your storage. No need to depend on cloud storage all the time. Get going anytime, regardless of what size a file you need to store in the storage.
Shining with a silver blaze, the HP HD Notebooks execute an exquisite look. The notebook is great for carrying around while it adds to your style. The HP HD Notebook allows you to work outside without charging for up to 5 hours. It is very convenient for a notebook to have long battery life.
You may have heard that notebooks tend to have a few temperature spikes. That is actually true for some notebooks. But not for the HP HD 17.3 notebook. Powered by an intelligent cooling system, this notebook barely crosses the temperature mark.
On top of all, the large 17.3 inches display can give you an amusing working experience. You can see the whole workspace without pinching, zooming, and stretching that you might have to do in a smaller screen.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | HP HD Notebook |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 5005U |
| Core | 2 cores |
| RAM | 6GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 1TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non backlit |
| Weight | 5.84 lbs |
| Dimensions | 16.05 x 10.98 x 0.98 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1600X900 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
The HP HD 17.3 Notebook offers much more freedom in terms of portability. If you do not like carrying around heavy and thick laptops, this notebook could be the answer for you.
9. ASUS VivoBook 17 – Best Premium Laptop
Are day-to-day usual bland laptops not up to your style? Want something more elegant and exotic as your work partner? ASUS VivoBook 17 is the dream laptop for you. The sensational sleek design of this laptop is lucrative enough.
Boasting a powerful Intel Core i5 8265U CPU and 8GB RAM, ASUS VivoBook 17 will not let you fall behind while working. Dishing out a fantastic performance while looking so glamorous, it truly makes ASUS VivoBook 17 the best premium laptop.
Featuring an astounding 85% body to screen ratio, ASUS VivoBook 17 sports a 17.3-inch 4-way borderless display. With improved color clarity and million pixels, the display of this glorious laptop feels out-of-the-world. The 1080p resolution brings out the best details effortlessly. See more!
To ensure the best typing experience, ASUS VivoBook features an ergonomic, chiclet keyboard with backlit lights. It also includes a fingerprint sensor for increased security protocol. ASUS VivoBook 17 uses the latest ergo lift design to enhance your working experience. The hinges are much more flexible and can be positioned as you see fit.
As expected from the elite laptops, ASUS VivoBook 17 boasts a unique heat management system. Equipped with industry-level thermal paste and turbofans, ASUS VivoBook 17 remains cool and quiet even under a monstrous workload.
Specifications
| Laptop Model | ASUS VivoBook 17 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 8265U |
| Core | 4 cores |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD 5400 rpm |
| Webcam | Yes |
| Keyboard | Non backlit |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.7 x 11.1 x 1.1 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1920X1080 |
| OS Installed | Windows 10 Home |
Why You Should Buy It?
The ASUS VivoBook 17 is for premium users. If you want both the looks and performance, go for it. This glamorous laptop is undoubtedly an attention grabber. ASUS VivoBook 17 will shine bright as you work swiftly.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Best 17-Inch Laptop Under $500
Finding the perfect laptop is never easy. A laptop’s only purpose is to serve you well. So, choose one that fits your needs. In the end, it all comes down to personal preferences. Depending on personal preferences is good, but you should know what you need. To help you with that, I will now discuss a few universal criteria you should consider before buying a laptop.
Processing and Computing Performance
If you are more focused on complex computing tasks like graphics designing or running simulations, you need a computer that delivers the punch. To run this software and tasks, you will need a laptop that comes with monstrous processing power. Processing and computing performance is associated with the laptop CPU, RAM, and GPU. The better the configuration, the smoother the performance.
CPU or Central Processing Unit
You need a fast and robust CPU to execute your heavy computing tasks. A CPU is the core of any system. A speedier CPU means your laptop will be able to handle taxing tasks seamlessly.
- Recommended CPUs for professionals:
Professionals need CPUs with faster clock speed and more cores. If you are looking for an Intel CPU, I suggest getting at least a core i5 10th generation CPU. If you are more into AMD CPUs, get a Ryzen 5 CPU. These CPUs have pretty fast clock speeds, more cores, and a big LP cache.
- Recommended CPUs for general people:
You might be a writer or an accountant. In these cases, you do not need to get super-fast CPUs. An average CPU should quickly get you through most of your tasks. My suggestion is an Intel Core i3 CPU if you like Intel processors. For AMD fans, I will recommend AMD Athlon or Ryzen 3 CPUs.
RAM or Random-Access Memory
RAM increases the system’s stability and responsiveness. RAM can be a considerable factor while multitasking. If you find your laptop lagging or unresponsive, you might want to get a RAM upgrade.
For most users, 8GB RAM is enough. 8GB RAM can deal with a decent amount of multitasking like surfing the web and working with datasheets simultaneously. For video editing or graphics designing, I suggest getting at least 16GB RAM as those programs require a lot of free memory. If you are a creative artist, you should get 16GB RAM for better performance and efficiency.
GPU or Graphics Processing Unit
GPUs are recommended as long as you work with visual computing. Calculations with complex visual and graphical data need to be processed with the GPU. 3D animators or model designers must have a GPU to power through their works.
All laptops come with an integrated GPU to perform basic stuff. These iGPUs are not often enough to process heavy loads. You should get a computer with a good GPU if you are going to perform visual works. Other than that, GPUs are not needed for computing database work. A decent CPU and RAM will breeze through most of the tasks.
Portability and Aesthetics
Outlooks of the laptop matter to many. A laptop with a sleek and modern design appeals to your aesthetic. You may or may not agree, but laptops have become a part of our fashion. So, if you want to stay on top of the game, get a computer that will add to your style.
You also need to look out for the portability of the computer you are getting. I know that I do not want a laptop that will tire me out when carrying it to work. So, when it’s about laptop weight, Light and slim laptops are always desirable.
Display and Sound System
Laptops are not just for working purposes. It serves as a day-long companion for you. Bored? You can surf social media on your laptop. Exhausted? Dance to the beats while your computer plays the music. Up for a movie night? Your computer is there.
This is why you must also find the laptop with the best display and speakers within your budget. A crystal-clear, large display and surround sound system will be a lot of help to you when you are looking for a bit of refreshment. If I were to buy a laptop, I would try to get one with an FHD display and surround sound system.
Battery Life
The most annoying incident ever happened to me was when my laptop died in the middle of my presentation. That can happen to you too. It is a crucial factor while buying any electronic device.
Extended battery life is an excellent feature for a laptop. You will want a computer that can support you through at least the whole day, if not for multiple days.
Warranty and User Experience
Let me put a lot of emphases here; listening to user experiences is very important. Not just when buying a laptop, you should go through the user experiences before you buy anything.
A product may seem lucrative and worth every penny. But you never know. This is where user experiences come to help. People who have already bought the product share their thoughts and stories. It will aid you in making your final decision.
After-sales service and warranty are just as important as the features of a laptop. If your computer needs some repair or claims the warranty, you do not want any hassle. So, try to find a supplier or brand that offers the most helpful and responsive after services.
Tips For Using Cheap Laptops More Efficiently
Some of you always ask me how to bring out the best from your budget laptop. Firstly, you should know that these laptops are like all other machines, with just a few cutbacks. Their performance and productivity can increase or decrease due to various factors.
You can follow some simple tips to maximize the output of your laptop. Let me tell you about some of the most prominent ones.
Faster Boot Up
Tired of slow boot-ups? It is not unnatural if you get annoyed when your laptop takes a lot of time to start up. Why would you have to wait a long time to begin your work? Boot up time depends on the storage type and CPU of your laptop. You can make your boot-up time a lot faster by implementing a few methods.
Install the OS on SSD
If your operating system is installed on a Solid State Drive or SSD instead of a Hard disk drive or HDD, the laptop will boot up a lot faster. So, be sure to install the OS on an SSD. You can always use the HDD to store files and data.
Reduce the start-up programs
Even if your OS is installed on SSD, your laptop may still take a long time to boot and be functional. It might be because of multiple start-up software. A lot of software is set to start up by default after booting. This software can slow down the system boot-up time. Software running in the background takes up a lot of system memory, thus hampering standard workflow.
How to terminate Start-up Programs
You can quickly identify these start-up software and prevent them from automatically starting up. To do this, open the Task Manager from the taskbar. Right-clicking on the toolbar will bring a pop-up menu. Select Task Manager from the menu.
After launching Task Manager, select the Performance tab and find Start-Up Applications. Click the button. Now you should see the list of start-up applications. Select and unselect the necessary applications you want or do not want to start automatically after booting. Your boot-up time should be significantly reduced now.
Increasing Battery Life
The battery life of a laptop is a serious matter of concern. You obviously want to keep your laptop’s battery healthy and functioning for the maximum amount of time.
You should follow the following tips to increase your laptop’s battery life:
- Keep your laptop plugged in if you have the option to do so. Laptops directly use power from the port when plugged in. This reduces the stress on the battery.
- Do not let the battery drain completely. Charge the laptop when the charge level is around 20%.
- Use power-save mode or Eco mode to keep your batteries healthy. Most laptops have a power-save mode where the battery consumption is reduced dramatically. When using your computer on battery, use the power saving mode to put less strain on the battery.
- Calibrate the battery every once in a while. It is better to use your laptop plugged in most of the time. But the best course of action is to deplete the battery and recharge it fully once in a while. This keeps the battery healthy.
Reducing Battery Consumption
The battery backup of a laptop is one of the major priorities of most people. To increase battery backup, you need to reduce battery consumption. I will show you a few pointers to reduce your battery consumption.
Use Low Brightness
High brightness drains the most battery. Turn your screen’s brightness level down to reduce battery consumption. If you find it hard to use the laptop in low brightness, you can try working in a low light environment.
Terminate Background Applications
A considerable number of applications run in the background. These applications slow down the system as well as consume a lot of battery. You can terminate these applications to reduce battery consumption.
To terminate these applications, open Task Manager from the taskbar. You will notice tabs with a list of applications running in the background and foreground. You can select unnecessary applications and shut them down.
Use Power-save Mode
Laptops have eco-mode to handle excessive power consumption. You can use this mode to reduce battery consumption significantly. To turn on eco-mode, you can check your laptop’s settings.
You can also manually set some values in the Sleep and Turn Off Display options. Go to the settings and search Power in the search bar. Now choose your settings accordingly. Set the sleep and turn off the display to your preference. Letting your laptop go into sleep mode saves power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are 17-inch laptops good for gaming?
17-inch laptops are great for gaming. You will get an immersive experience while gaming with a giant screen. A bigger screen means you get to enjoy more details and more explicit surroundings in any game. That will result in your overall performance in the game as you can see your enemies and smaller details quicker, in clearer images.
What is a good storage limit for a 17-inch laptop?
As a matter of fact, it never hurts to get more storage. As days pass, files are being more decompressed and thus require a lot of space.
An optimal choice for storage should be 1TB. Getting a whole SSD storage is best, but getting an HDD is good enough. I recommend at least 512GB SSD for a 17-inch laptop for the best experience.
Is a 17-inch laptop too big for college?
For students, it’s all about the portability of a laptop. Students need to carry their bags all the time.
A 17-inch laptop is not always the best choice for this purpose. These laptops may not fit in most bags that students use. Better to mention that it may seem out of place in a college. So, I think a 17-inch notebook is too big for college.
Do I really need a 17-inch laptop?
Whether you need a 17-inch laptop or not comes down to your personal preference.
If you feel like you are having trouble using a 14-inch laptop and need much more headspace and screen, you should go for a 17-inch laptop. If you belong to a middle-aged group or have vision lacking, it is probably best for you to choose a 17-inch laptop. It will give you a comfortable vision and put less strain on your eyes and brain.
Conclusion
With all the reviews and in-depth details, choosing the best 17-inch laptop under $500 should now be accessible to you. You can compare all these laptops that I have suggested and find the perfect one for your specific cause.
Still, having trouble finding the best one? No biggies. I got your back. If you ask me for my suggestion, I am gunning for the Lenovo Ideapad 3 as my preference as the overall best laptop with a large 17″ screen.
It is the perfect all-in-one laptop. With incredible performance, great display, lengthy battery life, and stylish look, it is truly a marvelous piece. The price also hits the sweet spot. Lighten your day with this excellent laptop today!
Being an enthusiast laptop savvy, Evan Charles shares his wisdom on LaptopEcho to help others pick the right machine. He loves guiding people to get the best out of their laptops as he does.
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