Entry-Level Laptop Comparison

Laptops have gradually yet continually undergone a multitude of developments in order to meet the needs of power users. In the bargain, their prices have sky-rocketed too. But when it comes to basic office applications, emails, casual Internet-surfing on the go and light entertainment, a very basic laptop can also suffice.

Today even the most basic laptop is capable of running mainstream applications seamlessly and considering the dipping hardware prices, today laptops are quite affordable. So, unless you’re a power user and if you can make do with a laptop which costs less than Rs 30,000, no need to buy a power-packed laptop.

Essentially, it’s the attractive price tag which sets these laptops apart. This time around, we’ve tested some budget laptops to find out which one is most capable and which one offers the most bang for the buck.

The hardware in these laptops is quite decent and can handle basic computing seamlessly. Of course, since, budget laptops are not designed for high-end and stressful applications, playing games or using demanding programs cannot be expected. Here’s what you can expect - a good single core processor or even an entry-level dual core, around 1 to 2 GB RAM, a 14 or 15-inch screen, onboard graphics, ample hard drive space, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and a good keyboard and touch pad—some even feature numeric pads. Most of them feature at least two USB ports while some have three.

Other standard features such as a VGA port, audio jacks, a webcam and a multi-card reader are a given in most laptops. What one might debate about is that even netbooks offer these features and are cheaper too. Well, netbooks comparatively lack in performance, they have much smaller screens and crammed keyboards. Also, netbooks do not feature an optical drive, where as laptops have an upper hand in all these cases too. The only thing these laptops cannot do is, slide into your hand bag.

As far as the design of these laptops is concerned, most of them aren’t much to look at and are not the lightest in weight either. Nonetheless, design-wise what’s most notable about these laptops is their tough build quality and good ergonomics. While having all the required features, there’s very little or no fluff involved. There are no funky LEDs, no extraordinary sound or display performance, no additional or uncommon features and such. So if you’re looking for a laptop that solves the purpose without burning a hole in your pocket, these laptops are the ones you should consider first.

Go to the next page for the comparison.
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Acer Extensa 5630

The Extensa 5630 looks stylish and is more powerful when compared to most laptops in this segment. As opposed to an all-black body, its bezel and screen frame are ash-black with a matt finish. Also, the keyboard is slightly arched which adds to the good looks and is ergonomically better. On the left-hand side of the keyboard, there are hotkeys, but this is perhaps a tradeoff where the numeric keypad has been done away with. Nonetheless, the overall package is a good mix suited for home and office users.

This laptop is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor. There’s a 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB RAM, Intel 4500M onboard GPU and a 15.4-inch screen. Uncommon features include an HDMI, an eSATA and three USB ports, a line-in jack, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi N, and a PC card slot. Other features include a webcam, a DVD writer and a VGA port.

Performance-wise its closest competitor is the MSI CR 400X mainly due to the processor. Notice the scores in the tables; the 5630 trounces most laptops in both synthetic and real-world benchmarks.

If you want an affordable but powerful laptop for business and entertainment, you search ends here.

Good: Good performance, stylish looks and great build quality.
Bad: None.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Specs:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 360 x 39 x 266 mm
• Weight: 2.8 kg
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6600, 2.20 GHz
• Memory: 2 GB DDR2
• Hard disk: 250 GB
• Screen size: 15.4-inch
• Price: Rs 29,999

MSI CR 400x

While the performance of the MSI CR 400X is comparable to that of the Extensa 5630 and the Wipro Ego, it is the lightest in weight and compact. Its build and portability can be compared to the eMachines D525. So, it’s an ideal pick for people who travel and want to work with slightly demanding applications.

It looks comparatively good but isn’t the best, as the Extensa and the Ego are better-looking. Pre-loaded with Windows Vista Ultimate, it has 14-inch glossy screen, a 1.3 megapixel webcam as opposed to VGA, a memory card reader, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi N and a PC card slot. Other features include 3 USB and a VGA port, audio jacks and a DVD writer.

Built around an Nvidia nForce 730i chipset, this laptop is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo T6400, has 2 GB RAM and a 250 GB hard drive. This hardware suffices for office applications and light entertainment on the go. The build quality and ergonomics could have been better. Although the keys are large, the spacing and lack of tactility are disappointing.

For a light in weight but capable laptop, keep this one in mind.

Good: Easy to carry and good performance.
Bad: Build quality and keyboard usability are disappointing.
Rating: 3 out of 5

Specs:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 345 x 37 x 224 mm
• Weight: 2.1 kg
• Processor: Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo T6400, 2.00 GHz
• Memory: 2 GB DDR2
• Hard disk: 250 GB
• Screen size: 14-inch
• Price: Rs 26,400

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Wipro Ego BM4930

The Wipro Ego is a feature-rich, good looking and rugged laptop in a small package. However, at 2.5 kg it isn’t any lighter than the eMachines eM E725. Nonetheless, it redeems itself by being comparable performance-wise. It performs almost as well as the E725, because its processor is marginally different. The Ego is ideal for people who want a rugged business laptop in a 14-inch package.

Also, if you’re looking for additional features such as an HDMI port and eSATA port, Bluetooth, a 2 megapixel webcam and a 320 GB hard drive, this one will get your attention. Built around an Intel GL40 chipset, it is powered by an Intel Pentium T4200 processor. Graphics are courtesy an Intel GMA 4500M GPU and the glossy screen has a native resolution of 1280 x 800. The design is simple yet elegant, and the build quality is very good. The body follows an all-black theme, similar to the IBM ThinkPads.

Ergonomically, the keyboard is satisfactory as the keys are large and well-spaced. However, unlike all other laptops in this comparison, this one has its Ctrl key wrongly placed.

If you buy this laptop, it’ll be due to the features and build quality.

Good: Good build quality, performance and above average features.
Bad: No Windows OS.
Rating: 2 out of 5

Specs:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 360 x 38 x 245 mm
• Weight: 2.5 kg
• Processor: Intel Pentium T4200, 2.00 GHz
• Memory: 2 GB DDR2
• Hard disk: 320 GB
• Screen size: 14-inch
• Price: Rs 29,000

Acer eMachines E725

Consider the E725 as the big brother of the D525 mainly because the former has a larger screen and body, it’s heavier, has a dual core processor and a numeric keypad. Also, the E725 comes pre-loaded with Windows Vista Home Premium. Otherwise, all aspects are almost identical. If you prefer a bigger screen, but still want a basic laptop for home and office use, this one’s ideal.

As far as performance is concerned, this laptop is a cut above the D525. Mainly, the tasks will complete faster and watching movies and light gaming will also be a better experience. Take a look at the tables, apart from performance and physical differences, all hardware and features such 1 GB RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, two USB and VGA port, a webcam, and connectivity options are same as the D525. With regard to design and build quality, this laptop at 2.5 kg is half a kg heavier than its little brother.Also, despite the large screen, its battery runtime is over four hours under medium load, which is quite good for a laptop of this size.

If you want a basic business laptop with a larger screen, buy this.

Good: Good battery run time and the presence of a numeric keypad.
Bad: Looks could have been classier.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Specs:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 372 x 42 x 241 mm
• Weight: 2.5 kg
• Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4300, 2.10 GHz
• Memory: 1 GB DDR2
• Hard disk: 160 GB
• Screen size: 15.5-inch
• Price: Rs 23,999

Acer eMachines eMD525

Considering the basic features and hardware, it’s clear that this laptop is intended for basic computing on the go. The D525 will easily handle mainstream applications such as surfing the Internet, emails, Microsoft Office 2007 and such. Even light entertainment such as movies and light gaming with the onboard Intel GMA 4500M graphics and the 14-inch screen, are enjoyable.

This laptop has all the essential features such as two USB and a VGA port, a webcam, audio jacks, a DVD writer and a multi-card reader. Connectivity is offered via gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi. It comes pre-loaded with Windows Vista Business. The design is office-like and the overall build quality is fairly rugged. The rounded corners, matt bezel and glossy screen aren’t much to look at.

Performance‑wise, powered by an Intel Celeron, which is a single-core processor, this laptop is ideal for office-goers who make presentations and basically need it for work purposes. Also, 1 GB RAM and the 160 GB hard drive should suffice for such applications.

If you’re looking for budget laptop for business, this is great one to pick.

Good: Attractive price tag, good build quality and ergonomics.
Bad: Looks too basic.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Specs:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 337 x 39 x 227 mm
• Weight: 2.1 kg
• Processor: Intel Celeron 900, 2.20 GHz
• Memory: 1 GB DDR2
• Hard disk: 160 GB
• Screen size: 14-inch
• Price: Rs 23,499