If you're looking for a cheap laptop, be careful not to pay more than the product is worth.
Below are some common disadvantages when choosing to buy a cheap laptop that users need to think about before making a decision.
Processor performance
Cheap laptops often come with poor quality hardware, resulting in inconsistent performance.
For example, the Intel Celeron N4120 chip in budget models scores poorly on performance tests because it only has 4 cores and 4 threads, with a maximum speed of only 2.5 GHz, making it difficult to perform basic tasks such as browsing the web or watching videos.
Cheap laptops have pretty modest chips.
Cheap laptops have pretty modest chips.
In contrast, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 chip in more expensive models, although also having 4 cores, has a higher clock speed of up to 3.7 GHz, so it offers significantly better performance.
In addition, cheap laptops often have less RAM, affecting multitasking ability. Graphics performance is also often limited due to the use of integrated chips, making gaming or video editing difficult.
Limited storage capacity
Many low-cost laptop manufacturers not only use poor processors, but also inefficient storage solutions.
Although HDDs are almost gone, some still use eMMCs, which are much slower than SSDs. eMMCs max out at around 400 MB/s, while SSDs can be many times faster.
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eMMC storage drives on budget laptops are disappointing.
eMMC storage drives on budget laptops are disappointing.
eMMC's multitasking capabilities are also limited, slowing down heavy tasks like video editing or gaming.
So before making a purchase, make sure the user buys a laptop with enough storage for their needs, which is difficult to do with eMMC, unless the laptop has the ability to support upgrades.
Poor quality screen
The display is the most interactive part of a laptop. A poor display will negatively impact the experience, with factors such as pixel density, viewing angles, and contrast ratio falling short. Many budget laptops still use low-resolution screens like 1366 x 768, while an FHD (1920 x 1080) display will provide a better experience with a higher pixel density. The higher the pixel density, the sharper and easier to see the image.
Things to know before buying a cheap laptop - 3
Additionally, some laptops use pulse width modulation (PWM) technology to adjust brightness, which can cause eye strain and headaches, especially when used at low brightness. Furthermore, the built-in webcams on low-cost laptops are often of poor quality, making them unsuitable for video conferencing.
Keyboard and trackpad
These are two important factors in interacting with a laptop. A bad keyboard is not only uncomfortable to type on, but can also lead to many typing errors. Keys like Space and Shift often have problems with imperfect operation, making it difficult for users. Poor design quality can also lead to dust and debris that can damage the keys.
Trackpad doesn't work well on cheap products.
Trackpad doesn't work well on cheap products.
Although users can use an external mouse, sometimes they still need to use the trackpad. On cheap laptops, multi-touch support may not be supported and there may be a problem of pressing the left and right mouse buttons.
Poor design quality
Cheap laptops are often made from low-quality plastics, which can make them feel and sound bad. Many can creak and flex even with normal use, such as typing.
The build quality on the budget laptop is pretty disappointing.
The build quality on the budget laptop is pretty disappointing.
Their weight can also be a problem, especially for models that use passive cooling. Because of their lightweight design, many laptops can tip backward when used on uneven surfaces, such as when placed on your lap. Additionally, many models lack enough weight in the base to keep the machine stable when opening the lid with one finger.
Lack of useful ports
Budget laptops often lack essential ports. While some mid-range models now come with USB-C charging ports, many budget laptops still use bulky chargers and can suffer from inconsistent USB speeds. Some ports may only support USB 2.0 speeds, while many expect USB 3.0 speeds.
