Cheap and Reliable: Check out These Sturdy Laptops Under $400
- Kaitlyn Hackett
- Jun 15, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 11, 2020
Researching to buy a computer is just about as fun as the process of buying a car. Buying a cheaper but reliable computer makes the already difficult task ten times more enjoyable, right? Well, the good thing is you don’t need to spend hours of grueling research. There are several computers that I found that will not break your bank, and some tips on the best times to purchase your laptop! I have broken down the pros and cons to make the decision process a little less painful.

Starting with the least expensive deal, the 11.6" Lenovo Ideapad notebook is a great deal and perfect for your school, browsing, or business needs. The 4 GB of RAM and the 64GB of Flash memory help make this compact computer speedy quick. Customers report that this laptop fulfills all their desired requirements and is a great everyday laptop. If you are looking for a basic computer for school use or simple business tasks this laptop is a great fit!
Price(s):
Best Buy: $ 209.99
Amazon: $161.98
Walmart: $ 208.99
Pros:
Fantastic price
Easy to use
Perfect for school
Portable
Cons:
Slower processor for gaming
Poor webcam and audio
The power supply is bulky

You will not be disappointed with the quality of the 11.6” Lenovo Chromebook. With over 1,300 verified customer reviews, this laptop will give you the most bang for your buck! Light-weight, built-in virus protection, 4 GB of RAM, and 32 GB eMMC memory make this laptop/tablet combo is great for school and traveling.
Price: $279.99
Pros:
Great price (Black Friday Sale)
Great for school
Touchscreen
Quality processing
Cons:
No SD card port
Issues with connecting to wireless printers
Mediocre speakers
Video capabilities

The HP Pavilion comes equipped with 4 GB of RAM, Windows 10 operating system, 500GB hard drive, and a 360-degree flip-and-fold design! This light-weight, easy-to-use, reliable laptop will make school assignments, web browsing, and business tasks a breeze. Customers have reported that the best way to improve processing speeds is to remove pre-loaded systems like McAfee, Flex, and Skype.
Price: $349.99
Pros:
Touchscreen
Lightweight
Portable
Cons:
Pre-loaded software must be removed to increase processing speed

The Acer 2-in-1 Spin Chromebook has exceptional reviews from many happy customers. The excellent price is reflected in the great processing system, the 4 GB of RAM, 32GB eMMC flash memory make for speedy bootup times and high definition videos. As a previous Acer user, I can attest that this brand provides great, easy-to-use, and long-lasting computers.
Price: $399.99
Pros:
Touchscreen
Fantastic display
High speed
Sleek look
Cons:
Bulky
Keyboard
Memory cannot be upgraded

The Dell Inspiron is a fast, durable, quality Chromebook. Fully equipped with a 14 inch HD screen, 360-degree flip-and-fold capabilities, and 128 GB of eMMC flash storage. Consumer reviews could not be more positive for this design and processing system.
Price: $399.99
Pros:
Sturdy build
Speed
Touchscreen
Battery life
Easy to use
Cons:
Keyboard
Tablet features
Purchasing Tips
Special holidays will offer great deals on electronics, this is the perfect time to look into buying a new computer. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day/Back-to-school sales will offer huge discounts and occasionally no taxes too!
Student discounts will be offered for electronics during back to school sales, don’t forget to show your school ID (or borrow a friend in school to buy the laptop). Special discounts and bundles will help you save a few bucks.
Think about buying refurbished! If you purchase from a reputable store you will end up with a laptop in great condition without paying the price!
The most important thing to remember when buying a new laptop is to focus on what you really need in a computer in terms of its capabilities. There is no reason to spend a ton of money on a fancy, expensive computer if you will only be performing basic tasks on the device. Other options such as the ones listed are great for your basic computer needs and are super affordable!
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