Updated 24 May, 2012, 10:23 am IST

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

26 Aug, 2010, 9:39 am IST | by Dushyant Khilnani

Here's a list of laptops in a similar price range, what's your pick and why?

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 )

Price: Rs. 37,490
Weight: 2.7 kg
Screen size / resolution: 14-inch / 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Core i3-330M, 2.13 GHz
RAM: 3 GB
Hard drive: 320 GB
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 5470
Operating system: Windows 7 Home Basic

Starting from Rs 32,900, most Inspiron 14R variants are powered by the entry-level Intel Core i3 CPUs, starting with 2 GB RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, onboard Intel HD graphics, a 14-inch screen and Windows 7 Home Premium. Now, as you choose more RAM and hard drive room, the price increases. The fully loaded entry-level variant in this model features a discrete GPU (the ATI Radeon 5470) and finally there’s a mainstream variant with a Core i5 CPU, which costs Rs 41,900. All-in-all, it’s a good laptop model to consider, especially for aesthetics, if you’re looking for a sub-40K notebook.

Sony Vaio E
Sony VPC EB14 EN/BI

Price: 37,490
Weight: 2.7 kg
Screen size / resolution: 15.5-inch / 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Core i3-330M, 2.13 GHz
RAM: 3 GB
Hard drive: 320 GB
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 5470
Operating system: Windows 7 Home Basic

Speaking of sub-40K, Sony, with its latest Vaio E series, has something more to offer than they ever have, in terms of affordability and value for money. This stylish model features a decent GPU, an entry-level CPU, sufficient RAM, and ample screen space. The only possible downside is the weight, which is slightly on the higher side. Nevertheless, as a desktop replacement for home use, it’s pretty good.

Dell Vostro 3300

Price: Rs. 35,900
Weight: 1.94 kg
Screen size / resolution: 13-inch / 1366 x 768
Processor: Intel Core i3-350M, 2.26 GHz
RAM: 2 GB
Hard drive: 250 GB
Graphics: Intel GMA HD
Operating system: Windows 7 Home basic

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!

Tags: affordable laptops , entry-level notebooks , multimedia laptops , office laptops , which laptop to buy , how to choose a laptop