Best budget laptops
(Updated May 3, 2013 6:44 AM PDT)
Acer Aspire M5-481PT-6488
Considering the total package of features and price, the Acer Aspire M5 feels like a safe bet if you want an all-encompassing Windows 8 laptop with touch that won't cost a fortune.
Price: $619.99 - $793.88 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Dell Inspiron 15z Ultrabook Computer
Dell's Inspiron line continues to look sharper than its budget reputation would suggest. The new touch-enabled version of the 15z works as a reasonably priced Windows 8 laptop with a big screen and an optical drive.
MSRP: $899.00
4 stars Read full review
Acer Aspire V5-571P-6499
For under $700, the Acer Aspire V5 proves that a touch screen can work in a budget-priced Windows 8 laptop without cutting too many corners.
Price: $586.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Asus VivoBook X202E DH31T (black)
It's great to see more touch-screen Windows 8 laptops under $600, but note that the Asus X202E requires some compromises in performance and battery life.
Price: $399.00 - $599.00 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
HP Pavilion TouchSmart 15z-b000 Sleekbook
With a great design for the price and some better-than-expected graphics power, the HP Pavilion TouchSmart 15z-b000 Sleekbook may be worth overlooking its shortcomings if you're on a tight budget.
Price: $649.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Samsung Chromebook Series 3
The $249 Samsung Chromebook is a good extra computer for cloud-loving Google-centric Web users.
Price: $249.00 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review