It’s important to look at laptops as a necessary device in today’s climate when a majority of jobs depend on it to function. As a working professional, you may vouch for it too, as do we, while writing, editing, and presenting this article to you on a laptop. The importance of a laptop for work tells us all we need to know about how important affordable laptops are. This article will therefore analyze and feature the best laptop under 400 dollars list.
We have come too far technologically, and the innovative options we have for laptops now are truly worth their money. But everyone cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on a laptop device, therefore affordability is a key factor. The affordable laptops might not be as advanced as those with a higher price range, but they are perfectly adequate for use. They include all the relevant features required to perform your job smoothly and with efficiency.
While we know, a reasonable price is the main attractive feature for customers to buy these laptops, many of them still have interesting specifications. Some of these options are convertibles, making the laptop switch between a keyboard or just the screen in case you want to use it as a tablet. This is not only fun to use in terms of watching content or reading eBooks, but also for designers/illustrators to sketch and plan on the device.
Even for those options that are not packed with very advanced features, their simplistic specifications make them easy and convenient to use. As a consumer, you might agree that not everyone is interested in buying revolutionary advanced products. There are people who want an adequately working device even if it’s not the newest, most updated model.
Despite the basic specifications, there’s much you can do and use the laptop for. From streaming content, watching films, typing all day, to even playing games, all of it can be easily done on these laptops. They might be considered basic or even average, but sometimes the average ones do their job perfectly well. It’s going to be difficult to list down the pros and cons when we already mentioned laptops doing all the basics and being good reasonable options.
Let’s get started on the list with the top 10 options we have in affordable laptops, mostly under $400:
Dual-core two-way processor for smooth and efficient processing
Cons
Low bandwidth of RAM
Key Features
Acer is a known and reliable name in the laptop industry, specifically for making high quality products that are not that highly-priced
This 2-in-1 Convertible Chromebook Laptop might be a creative’s dream, specially if you are just starting out as an illustrator/designer
The low RAM is an issue in terms of processing large amounts of data and heavy programs. But it is an issue that can be addressed with a separate hard disk for your data, which also keeps it more protected from viruses on the device
The screen is 11.6″ HD 1366 x 768, LED-backlit giving it good enough room and lightning to workaround
Every Chromebook is powered by Chrome Operating System that updates the overall system as well as security every 6 weeks, keeping your system up to date
Additionally, there are variants with more storage capacity that you can choose depending upon your requirement
The Dual-core two-way processing is powered by 8-Core MediaTek MT8183 giving the device capacity to work on high efficiency
Lenovo is another affordable brand for laptops, famous for making devices that are advanced yet in the reasonable range
The 11.6″ 10-point multi-touch screen is wide enough to comfortably do your work in either of its forms. Since its a 2-in-1 convertible, the screen works well both ways
The screen is CineCrystal technology-enabled and works great with graphics in photos or videos. The LED backlight and 1366 x 768 HD resolution add up to the overall great visuals
Quad-Core processor with MediaTek MT8173C makes for a smooth and fast-working internal system
RAM is 4GB that is adequate for processing your tasks whether they are in-system or online
The storage is 160GB in total, giving you ample space to store all your necessary files and documents, while you can take aid from external storage for additional high weight files
The processor and RAM are in accordance with each other so that they can provide you with a fluent running system regardless of high activities or heavy programs running simultaneously
Big screen yet lightweight and easy to carry around
Upgrade option for storage and RAM
Cons
Low or slow connectivity
Key Features
Finally we have a classic name in laptop manufacturing, HP, the great. Some older users still prefer to use an HP more than any other
The screen is a 14″ HD Micro-edge Display on this laptop, which is an ideal one for those who like a generous screen size as to not strain their eyes at all
Additionally, the anti-glare, micro-edge, WLED-backlit, Display with resolution of 1366 x 768 make up for safe use even for longer hours than usual
The storage is 128GB SSD, which in itself is not that bad if you want your bases covered. But additionally, there’s option to upgrade the RAM and storage with a higher price
The 8GB DDR4 SDRAM is also higher than many other laptops in this price range. It is an adequate number that allows you to run your heavier programs, software or games without much disturbance
Comes with all the necessary port placements for any type of connectivity-related business. Although there have been complaints regarding slow connectivity, make sure everything is in order before you connect your laptop to a device or network
Another classic name in the list, because this list could not be made without the Dell name
The 14.1” Anti-Glare WLED-backlit HD Display is good and quite honestly generous screen size, works just well for students and professionals
The visuals are backed by Intel Integrated Graphics that is usually standard in Dell devices
This also includes Intel as its processes, which is one of the best processors for laptops. The Intel Core i5-4300U 1.9GHz Dual-Core Processor makes working on a laptop feel effortless
The RAM is 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz, pairing it greatly with the Intel processor. Both of the processor and its RAM are responsible to carry out the little tasks of housing, operating and responding to commands that run the device
Storage is 256GB Solid State Drive but can be upgraded depending upon your requirement. The original space is already adequate enough for users that do not require an advanced storage option
Another Acer candidate to the list of best laptops under 400 dollars, because as mentioned before the company makes adequately advanced and reasonably priced laptops
The Acer Aspire 5 is another one of Acer’s reasonable masterpieces, doing just what is required of it
The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual-Core Processor is adequate for smooth flowing processes
RAM is 4GB DDR4 making the memory a good even ideal partner for the processor to run the business of the user. A laptop is what a user uses it for, and this one is no different
Storage is not as generous say, but the 128GB is enough for users to have all their bases covered in terms of space
The laptop is slightly above the initial set budget of $400 as well, but it makes up with its high-quality features
The 15.6 inches HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen is LED-backlit with an IPS display, making it one of the biggest laptop screens in this price range
Lastly, there is an upgrade option for both RAM and storage with a higher-priced option. If you are someone who prefers more storage, and the rest of your requirements are met with this one, you could go for that option
Antiquated screen technology might distort visuals at certain angle
Key Features
HP makes a comeback in the list with this convertible Chromebook. This is one of those options we mentioned earlier in the article, that make for a great choice for creatives
4GB Ram that makes work smooth and adequately processes all that you use the device for, professional or otherwise
128GB SSD is there as basic storage but you can upgrade that upon your suiting if you move on towards work that requires more space for your files/documents
The screen is 14inch HD and comes in resolution 1366 x 768 with Multi-Touchscreen ability so you are able to use the screen while also using the keyboard
Dual speakers are a hidden gem that many appreciate only after the use, but they can act as great audio devices for your background of central audio/music
Lastly, you can do well with discovering the renewed/refurbished laptop market that might allow you to buy this device or many others in cheaper rates, almost the same quality
The Chromebook S330 from Lenovo is known for its high-functioning abilities due to the advanced system
The laptop is equipped with MediaTek MTK8173C Processor and the Chrome OS, which many consumers have started to prefer over Windows now
The RAM is 4 GB that is not that much of its strength but the laptop has many others to make up for just adequate RAM
The storage is 64 GB eMMC within the device but it also connects with Google drive directly to have unlimited space option
Multitasking is something you can do without thinking twice on this device due to it’s properly integrated features and processors
The elegant design is unmatched by many in this range of price and features. The body is lightweight, making it easy to carry around in case you have to, while the general look is very sleek
Since the Chrome operating system is used, the security system is already quite rigid and keeps your device secure from any unauthorized breaches
Last Chromebook suggestion promise! These are just really good reasonable laptops you can and should use within this budget
The screen itself is a pretty great sell, with 15.6” the HD Screen brings many customers towards this
The ComfyView display with resolution of 1366 x 768 is said to be great for the visuals with color and clarity
The LED is also Anti-glare Energy-efficient, so you do not have to feel guilty about using up too much energy if you have been on your laptop for long hours
Chrome OS works fluently with 4GB DDR4 RAM, even if it might considered average for other devices in a higher tier
32GB eMMC storage is also aided with Google drive’s unlimited storage capacity where you can forget worrying about running out
The laptop is secured from any external threats with Chrome’s protection. This one is a definite steal in the price it available too
Stands firmly on its quality even after significant use
Good battery usage
Cons
No backlit keyboard
Fan at the bottom might cause the device to heat if you are using it while on lap
Key Features
Last on the list is our Dell Latitude E5450 laptop which albeit more of a traditional one, is still a popular choice among this range
The 14” HD screen is a winner due to its ideal size, which is not too big as some people prefer smaller, compact screens, while also being adequately big
The 9.1 x 13.2 resolution of the screen make perfect sense for a portable device
The operating system is Windows 10 which is updated but not too complicated to confuse the user
The 3 GB RAM is a very borderline one for many, but it gets the work done without causing any disturbance
The 1366×768 resolution works well for any types of graphics, be it in pictures of videos
The storage on the device is 120 GB, which is just good enough for you to cover all the necessary files you want
Ending the best laptop under 400 dollars list here. But if you are interested in any of these laptop choices, make sure you check a renewed option as they are further cheaper to buy, some with hardly any differences with the new ones. Granted you know how to do your research before buying something online. Regardless, check out each of these devices separately for thorough and detailed information on each. You can also find individual reviews that might help your search better than this would.