Laptops have become the computer of choice for many, attracting new users with light bodies, thin screens, and portability. At one time, the price of a laptop was many times it’s desktop equivalent; this is no longer the case, and many laptops can be had for a very reasonable price.

Below are ten different ways to get the laptop you need for the smallest price possible.

1. Determine your needs

What will your laptop be used for? Web surfing? Checking email? Homework? If so, you don’t need a laptop with high-end specs. Don’t fall for the allure of a laptop with 4GB of RAM and 17″ screen. A laptop with 1GB of RAM and a 2Ghz Intel processor will be more than satisfactory for most users, and will result in a much lower price tag.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Features

Manufacturers often include a few extra features in the quoted price of laptops on their website. Review these options and determine if you need them or not. An example of features to look for includes WWAN, TV tuner, and even Bluetooth.

3. Avoid Expensive Brands

Certain brands are known for being expensive. One popular example is Sony. A Sony VAIO laptop will almost always cost more than it’s equivalent from Dell or HP, though the build quality is no better. Popular low-price brands include Acer, HP and Toshiba laptops.

4. Hunt for Promos

Promo codes, coupons, and online deals can greatly reduce the price of a laptop. Check with the laptop manufacturer for deals first, then search retailers.

5. Get a Smaller Battery

Unless you need a laptop for extensive mobile work, a larger-capacity battery isn’t necessary. Laptop batteries are generally offered in two capacities: six-cell and nine-cell. A six-cell battery is cheaper, and adequate for the needs of most users.

6. Student and Work Discounts

If you’re a college student, you will be able to find a wide array of discounts on many laptops, both through your school and through manufacturers. Apple, Dell, and HP are all known for their student discounts and deals. In addition, you may be able to get a discount through the company you work for. This is especially true for technical writers, sales reps, and any other job requiring the use of a mobile computer.

7. Used or Refurbished

Refurbished laptops are usually 25% – 30% cheaper than a new laptop, while being perfectly functional and often coming with a warranty. Used laptops can be found up to 50% cheaper, and some offer warranties transfered to your name after purchase.

8. Netbooks

Netbooks are very small, light, and low-powered laptops. The first low-cost netbook was released in 2007 by Asus, the Eee PC. This sparked a revolution in the market, and now many manufacturers, including HP, Dell, and Acer have released their own ultra-cheap portable laptops. If you’re looking for a cheap notebook as a compliment to a desktop computer, a netbook may be the best option.

9. AMD over Intel

Intel processors are faster than their AMD equivalent. However, many users would never know this, as web surfing, email, music, and homework are not very CPU-intensive. An AMD processor will noticeably reduce the price of a laptop, and is something to consider.

10. Avoid Commercial Software

At one time, software like Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop was a necessary, although expensive purchase. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. There are many professional, free alternatives to commercial software, such as Open Office and GIMP. Choosing the free alternative will save you hundreds of dollars.

11. Smaller Hard Drives

Don’t choose the larger hard drive option when purchasing your laptop – you’ll pay more for less. Unless you are storing hundreds of CDs or dozens of movies, a 40GB hard drive is adequate. An external 500GB hard drive can often be purchased for $50 with online deals and rebates.

12. Consider Linux

Companies such as Dell are now offering laptops without an operating system, or preloaded with Linux Ubuntu. While Linux is generally known as hard to use, many users find Ubuntu different – it is sleek and easy to use, and most software needed is already on the system. If you absolutely need a Windows-only program, many can be run via WINE. This route reduces the overall cost of your laptop by about $100.

Tags: Toshiba