The Best Laptops Under $800: A Buyer's Guide

It's awesome that you're looking for a great laptop under $800! There are definitely some gems to be found in that price range. 

Here's a breakdown of some of the best options, keeping in mind that the "best" really depends on what you need it for:

For Everyday Use and Productivity:

• Acer Aspire 5: This is a consistent favorite. You can often find configurations with a good balance of performance (AMD Ryzen processors are great here), decent screen, and solid build quality. It's a workhorse that can handle most tasks.

• Lenovo IdeaPad series: Lenovo offers a wide variety of IdeaPads in this range. Look for ones with good processors (again, AMD Ryzen is often a good value), SSD storage (crucial for speed!), and a comfortable keyboard.

• HP Pavilion: Similar to the Aspire and IdeaPad, the Pavilion offers solid performance and features for the price. HP often has good deals, so keep an eye out.

• Acer Swift 3: If you prioritize thinness and lightweight, the Swift 3 is a good option. It often packs decent specs into a very portable package.

• Lenovo Yoga series (some models): While the higher-end Yogas can be pricey, you can sometimes find models in this range that offer 2-in-1 flexibility (laptop and tablet mode) in a more affordable package.

• Look for laptops with dedicated graphics: While most laptops under $800 won't be hardcore gaming machines, you can find some with entry-level dedicated graphics (like an NVIDIA GeForce MX series card) that will allow for some light gaming at lower settings. The Acer Nitro series or some HP Victus models might be worth checking out.

• Processor: Aim for at least an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5.

• RAM: 8GB is the minimum these days, 16GB is ideal if your budget allows.

• Storage: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is essential for fast performance. 256GB is a good starting point, but 512GB or more is better if you can swing it.

• Display: Look for a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution screen for crisp visuals.

• Battery life: This varies wildly, so read reviews to get a sense of real-world battery performance.

• Amazon: A huge selection and competitive prices.

• Best Buy: Often has good deals and bundles.

• Newegg: Another popular online retailer for electronics.

• Manufacturer websites: Check HP, Lenovo, Acer, etc. for their own deals and sometimes refurbished options.