Top 5 Budget Notebook PCs

Toshiba is no stranger to the budget notebook market. In fact, they probably have the most models that fit into this price category. Of all of these systems, the Satellite A215-S4747 has the most to offer those on a budget. Its AMD based dual core mobile processor may not be the fastest, but does well with most applications. The real standout feature though is the spacious 200GB hard drive. If that isn't enough, the system also has a large number of peripheral expansion ports. Just be sure to adjust the Power Options if you get one to avoid the blank screen issues.

Sony is not a name that is associated with low cost computer systems but their new VGN-NR160E/S is a surprising offering. Rather than the AMD processor used by many low cost notebooks, Sony uses the Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 that gives it very strong performance. It also has a large amount of storage space with a sizable 160GB hard drive. The keyboard is a bit different than most, but it is comfortable and functional. About the only real grip is that it has a bit too much of a cheap plastic feel to it.

Gateway has been pretty slow to upgrade their notebook models it sells via its website, but their retail offerings are quite a different matter. The Gateway M-6823 is an exclusive model that is available via Best Buy retailers. Like the Sony model, it uses the Intel Core 2 Duo processor for added performance. What is really surprising is the truly amazing 250GB hard drive. This is one of the largest drives around and will provide plenty of space for digital media files. The LabelFlash drive is a nice addition for burning labels to DVDs and CDs, but finding the media is near impossible. It also has a critical flaw of not having a FireWire port that is needed for transferring data from digital camcorders.

HP has one advantage over the others on this list, and that is in volume and price. The Pavilion dv6605us has much of the same features found in other notebooks but can typically found for much less. The dv6605us is based around the AMD dual core mobile processor that is common for this segment. It also features a large 160GB hard drive and a LightScribe compatible dual layer DVD burner for creating CDs and DVDs with custom printed labels. It comes with a large variety of software applications but also has the problem of too much trialware installed that bogs down the system. Definitely a strong value if you are willing to put up with some software annoyances.

Compaq is owned by HP, so it is no surprise that the Presario V6620US is essentially a clone of the HP Pavilion dv6605us but with the Compaq logo on it. All of the features and quirks are identical to those of the HP Pavilion. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. The Compaq system is a bit more difficult to find compared to the HP, but if you are having problems finding the HP model, just look around for the Compaq model to get the same experience with a different name on it.