We keep track of laptops that we like for everyday / business use. Some people may like the most powerful laptops -- or more stylish looks -- but the specs shown in the chart below represent the "sweetspot" in terms of performance, price, and value. Here's a record of what you can get for the given price point over recent years.
It's exciting to have the new Intel "breakthrough" Core i3/i5/i7 series of chips -- and now, the Second Generation (Sandy Bridge) of this Intel series in this price category. Note that the "-2xxx" in the Intel core chips (for instance, "i5-2430") signifies the Second Generation. We hope and expect the Second Generation i7 chips to come into our "sweet spot" soon! Other features that we have our eye on include:
- The Second Generation of i7 chips and 6GB (or 8GB) of RAM memory are a little pricier than the laptops in the chart below. You can step up to this level for about $750 to $800 (about $200 more than our sweet spot below).
- We sometimes see specials of about $699 for the Second Generation i7 chip, 8GB ram & 750 GB hard-drive.
- Most laptops have around 4 hours of battery life - but a few have up to 8 hours. Over time, the batteries degrade -- so you will see less than the listed battery life specs...
- Some laptops have increased battery life. You will have to look for this feature, however, as most do not have the extended battery life. Extended battery life will cost a bit more.
- LED screens are now the standard. They use much less power than LCD screen -- meaning improved battery life.
- Those concerned with battery life might want to consider a slightly smaller screen (13 or 14 inches instead of 15 inches means a smaller surface area to light up). (This is a trade-off for smartphones as well: a larger screen means more battery drain.)
- HDMI output is generally available nowadays as well, but check if you really want this feature.
Date | Processor Speed | Memory | Harddrive | Battery | Price |
Dec 11 | 2.4 Ghz (i5 – 2xxx) | 4 or 6GB (exp to 8) | 600-720GB | 4.5 / 6 hrs | $500-$600 |
Apr 11 | 2.5 Ghz (i3) Win 7 | 4GB (exp to 8) | 500 GB | 4.5 hrs | $550 |
Jan 11 | 2.4 Ghz (i3) Win 7 | 4 GB (exp to 8) | 500 GB | 4.5 hrs / 8 hrs | $500-$600 |
Nov 10 | 2.4 Ghz (i3) Win 7 | 4 GB (exp to 8) | 320 GB | 4 hrs | $500 |
Dec 09 | 2.2 Ghz (x2) Win 7 | 4 GB | 300 GB | 4 hrs | $550 |
Aug 09 | 2.1 Ghz (x2) Vista | 3 GB | 320 GB | 3 hrs | $500 |
Dec 08 | 2.0 Ghz (x2) Vista | 3 GB | 300 GB | 2.5 hrs | $550 |
Aug 08 | 1.9 Ghz (x2) Vista | 3 GB | 250 GB | 2 hrs | $550 |
Dec 07 | 1.6 Ghz (x2) Vista | 1.5 GB | 120 GB | 1.5 hrs | $550 |
