6 Entry-Level Laptops, What's Your Pick?

Entry-level laptops could range anywhere from about Rs 27,000 to Rs 40,000, and some even go higher depending on the features they offer. In this article we’re considering both, the price and the hardware used. In terms of hardware we’re considering laptops that use the new Intel Core i3 CPUs, and since these machines offer a better price-performance ratio, we'd rather use them in this segment instead of including the ULV category or the older Core 2 Duo laptop models.

Dell Inspiron 14R (Full review )

Sony Vaio E

Sony VPC EB14 EN/BI

Dell Vostro 3300

One of the four variants of the Vostro 3300 is powered by an Intel Core i3 CPU, which is priced at Rs 35,900, and has onboard Intel HD graphics. Weighing about 1.94 kg (with the DVD writer), and with a 13-inch screen, a 250 GB hard drive and Intel HD graphics, we’d say it’s a very good pick at this price. Other variants of this model fall into the mainstream category with the Core i5 CPU and the highest model features discrete graphics (an Nvidia GeForce GT 310M). This entry-level variant is ideal for people who want an office laptop that isn’t heavy, and suffices for entry-level performance and daily office chores. Overall, it's a sweet deal!

More from News Analysis

__PAGEBREAK__

Acer Aspire 5740G (Full review)

This is one of the best entry-level multimedia laptops that we’ve reviewed. While this one is a multimedia desktop replacement, another option (and a good one), is the new Aspire Timeline X4820T (Rs 38,000), which is much lighter in weight, slimmer and looks fantastic, way much better than the 4740 and 5740 series.

Here’s an excerpt from our review of the Aspire 5740G, ‘This laptop has a smart mix of features and hardware which not only controls the cost of the unit, but offers exactly what an entry-level home desktop replacement requires. So, we’d say it’s a very good pick!’

HP DV6-3004TU (WZ498PA)

Lenovo Y560

Be it entry-level or higher, the cut-throat competition is quite evident, especially after looking at the similarity in the prices across brands. Ofcourse, what goes without saying is that, all the prices mentioned in this article are approximate, and will differ depending on where you buy your machine from. If a laptop goes a step higher in terms of features, aesthetics or functionality, take it for granted that you’ll be paying a premium for that particular trait.

Personal Take

If I were to buy one of these for office purposes, it would be the Dell Vostro 3300, hands down. It is comparatively light in weight, comes with a Windows OS, looks quite stylish, and basically, it offers a very good blend of functionality, performance, aesthetics and quality. The only reason I wouldn’t choose the Inspiron 14R is the overly glossy body, otherwise it’s a good machine. Yes, if you’re buying a multimedia desktop replacement, nothing beats the Lenovo Ideapad laptops, be it Y460 or Y560, but then you’re paying more, in which case, it’s a good idea to invest in a more powerful configuration, unless watching movies and casual computing is all you need.

So what’s your take? If there is some other laptop that you find better than any of these, do let us know in the comments section, and tell us what it is that makes you choose another laptop over these.