However, in this recession, almost everyone is looking for value for money.  Here are four great laptops that you can own for less than $800!

Toshiba Satellite L505-S5969

Toshiba tops the list of value for money laptops with the Satellite L505-S5969.  This laptop has a full sized keyboard, a separate numeric keypad and a USB/eSata port to use for those eSATA drives that have been widely considered as very fast.  The screen measure 15.6 inches, making watching videos on YouTube more enjoyable.

For about $500, you get a laptop with very respectable specs: one that runs on Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200 and armed with a 3GB memory.  It also comes with a DVD/RW drive, built-in Web cam, and modem.

WOW Factor: Low priced laptop with a retail price of around $500.

NO Factor: No support for 802.11n (only 802.11b/g) protocol for wireless connections, low speaker volume, no HDMI port.

Acer Aspire AS5738DG

The Acer Aspire AS5738DG is the costliest in this list, with prices starting from $780.  However, it is worth the price tag if only for the capability to view images, games and movies in 3D.  3D is the latest buzzword during the whole of last year, and it was the most featured technology at this year Consumer Electronic Show.  With the success of Avatar, along with the push from different content providers to come up with 3D content, 3D is driving up the prices of 3D devices for the home like Bluray players and 3D TVs.

On the computing front, a lot of Web and IT giants are delving into 3D, the most notable of which, is Google’s foray into 3D with its Sketchup service.

Acer capitalizes on this new technology when it launched the Acer Aspire AS5738DG in the last quarter of 2009.  Using CineCrystal HD for its 3D monitor, this laptop also features a 2.2 GHz Duo T6600 processor, 4GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive.  Other features include a DVD RW drive, Ethernet, Wi-Fi support, and a Web cam.

Considering the better specs on the Aspire AS5738DG, plus the fact that it is a lot cheaper than even the most inexpensive 3D TV, the relatively higher price tag might not be that high at all.

WOW Factor: 3D!  Basically, the specs and the performance of this one are already great.  The addition of 3D takes it over the top.

NO Factor: Thick frame. Relatively more expensive.

Dell Inspiron 15

It used to be that those who do graphics work on their laptops have no other choice than to get a Mac, which is certainly not an option for those with budgets of under $1000.  However, with Dell Inspiron 15’s WLED display, superior brightness and crisp colors, graphics guys now have a cheaper alternative.  Unlike other laptops that scrimp on screen color, Inspiron’s 15.6 inch screen can display the colors required for graphics work.

Dell offers parts customization for the Inspiron, so if you have a tight budget, $600 can get you 160GB hard drive, Pentium Dual Core t4200, 3GB memory, DVD RW and wireless support.

WOW Factor: Great display.

NO Factor: Dell Inspiron comes with a 4-cell battery that translates to a short running time.

Acer Aspire Timeline AS4810T

Acer Aspire Timeline AS4810T features a 320 GB hard drive, LED screen, 802.11a/g/n wireless support, HDMI output, all running on a Core 2 Solo SU3500.  All these in one very thin and light package.

What is more, Timeline AS4810T-8480 allows you a full freedom with more than 8 hours of operation on a fully charged battery.

However, if you value speed, you certainly will notice that this laptop gives you a very sluggish experience because of its single core processor.  This also comes with a lot of useless preinstalled software.

WOW Factor:  Very light and svelte.  Long battery life.

NO Factor: Bloatware and single core leading to slow performance.

At a Glance: How They Stack Up

1. Dell Inspiron

This laptop is known for its affordability and handiness. People would get to enjoy awesome services in an amount that would not be too difficult to pay. It also has a good customer support that when customers are having problems, they can easily rely on it. It also has compatible features that would suit the needs of the client and because of its weight that is light enough for carrying; it becomes easier for traveling clients like businessmen. It also has a flexible head that allows movement and easy access. The battery life of the laptop is also excellent that last for about six hours in maximum usage. It offers clients with a high performance laptop with a sharp picture that makes viewing more exciting.

2. Lenovo 3000N

Just like Dell’s laptops, this laptop is also very affordable and comes in different wide screen models. The laptop offers clients with features that most users desire. It includes features such as high security, which protects the PC from invaders and a security system that allows the usage of the owners’ fingerprints for identification. It also includes automatic updates for the laptop to ensure the user gets to enjoy the latest developments. The look of the laptop is also stylish and may fit the styles of most clients.

3. Macbook

This laptop is developed by Apple, a manufacturer that is known for providing clients with the newest and the best in the world of gadgets that is why it is one of the laptops that people usually buy. Apple already has established a name to clients due to their trustworthiness. Just like any other laptop, it is also very handy, and it includes features that are excellent and remarkable. It has a built-in web cam for easy access, and it is available in many configurations. The buyer can choose which one would suit his preference or is affordable.

4. Asus

Asus laptops are highly praised by clients with its durability, affordability and high performance. It garnered many positive reviews from users that have tried using many of their laptops, and it is certain that it is starting to capture the interest of people. The quality of computers they offer to clients is outstanding that many businessmen are utilizing this laptop. Customer support is also remarkable and very reliable adding a point to this laptop. Asus laptops also have a variety of designs for its looks allowing stylish and striking designs that clients would surely endure. This is one of the best laptops available in the market.

5. Samsung Q1

This laptop only weighs less than 2 lbs and is suitable for clients that usually travel to distant places. Just like Apple, Samsung has already made a name with regards to the products, they offer to the public. It includes an adjustable screen resolution that the user can manipulate. Its performance is also excellent with a battery life that last longer than any other laptops. It is also known for its durability and good customer support. It has a slim look that is what most clients look for in a laptop. It is also very convenient to use and is equipped with the latest configurations. Its processing pace is also remarkable and includes features that are the latest in the market. The picture quality is good and there is no problem with the audio.

6. Compaq Presario

This laptop consists of a memory that enables efficient storage of files. It also offers impressive performance at a price that is very affordable. It also has a good picture resolution and a built in speaker that provides good quality audio for many multimedia applications. This laptop will surely fit the taste of anyone that would be using it. It also has an excellent battery life and customer support.

Another thing to consider in buying a laptop is the amount of money you are willing to spend or in short, your budget. No matter how nice a laptop looks, if it does not fall within your budget then it is automatically erased in your list of alternatives. The amount of money is essential in relation to what laptop to purchase. The more expensive laptops are high-end. It is understandable that it has more features and is more technologically advanced. However, being expensive does not always mean a good option to buy because some features found in expensive laptops sold in the market today are found in cheaper laptops and some features are way to be fancy to a point that it is not anymore needed and its addition as one of its many features are the reason behind its extremely high cost. Because the price of a laptop is so much important in considering its purchase, a well-thought analysis must be done prior to the purchase itself. You may possess a large amount of money allotted in buying a laptop but the main question has something to do with the cost-effectiveness of the product. Is the product worth its price? Not only that, different shops selling laptops have varying prices. A particular laptop may cause a certain amount which falls within the expensive category in one gizmo shop, since it has high-end features, while it is a bit cheaper in another gizmo shop. Again, different stores have slight discrepancies in terms of their prices. Therefore, as a wise buyer, must be intelligent enough to compare prices from one shop to another in order to be cost-effective. This measure will not always guarantee you that it is possible, but it is a try worth taking. In this manner, you can definitely save some cash but still being able to buy the laptop that you really want.

The next thing to consider is the size of the laptop that you are planning to purchase. In today’s modern world wherein technology is at its peak, size does matter. The degree of portability is affected by the size of the laptop. Of course, we live in a busy world and most people are always on-the-go that is why portability is really important. Aside from that, the display will also be affected. Larger screens provide better visibility most especially for individuals who have problem reading. We now have in the market what we term as ultra-light laptops wherein carrying it is just like carrying a sketch pad. So the portability as well as the display must be given consideration is purchasing a laptop.

Another consideration is the memory of the laptop. It must also be appropriate in relation to its use. If you are planning to use it as a sort of back-up to your desktop computer then opts for a lower memory in order to arrive at a cheaper price. However, if you want to store tons of files in it, then it is highly encouraged for you to buy the ones that have high memory in it. The purpose of the laptop and the ways in which you would use it must be taken into account so that you can determine how much memory is suitable.

You also have to consider the hard drive when buying a laptop. The size of the hard drive will definitely matter. And lastly, you also consider its Internet connectivity. Today’s era is about technology and innovation that is why, being connected in the Internet is very important. We already have available laptops that have built-in wireless connectivity via the Bluetooth. You just need to find hot spots where the wireless connection can be made possible. Therefore, this element in a laptop is very important because this would really add a lot of convenience to the user.