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Top 14 Best Laptops For Engineering Students Under $500 2023

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Engineering students can do everything, which means they can use the laptop to program, watch movies, and play games, as well as prepare projects, paperwork, and graphics design drawings with the help of large software. As a result, we’ll need the Best Laptops For Engineering Students Under $500 with at least 4 to 8 GB of RAM.

If you’re on a budget or looking for a cheap laptop, you can reduce the storage HDD capacity (256GB or 500GB to 1TB). Yes, a great processor is required, and processors are available in the most recent models from the generation and developments with the most powerful motherboard.

The second step is to choose a durable laptop that can withstand repeated use. It is unbreakable and has a longer life span. Long battery life keeps you fresh and eliminates the need to charge for the next time in days.

A nice-sized laptop, the Inspiron 14 weighs 3.22 pounds and measures 0.67 to 0.71 inches thick. It even has relatively slim bezels, which results in a smaller chassis than the standard 14-inch cheap laptop. With two USB-A 3.2 connectors, a full-size HDMI 1.4 port, a USB-C 3.2 port (which regrettably lacks Thunderbolt capability), and other ports, connectivity is also good.

Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide modern wireless communication. The Inspiron 14 is a fantastic option if you’re not looking for a larger budget laptop but want to go manageable, as it costs just a little over $500.

If you’re a college student who wants to focus on basic professionalism, media consumption, content production, and casual gaming, a $500 budget will suffice. Independent of the subject or academic specialization, a Best Laptop Under $500 often covers the bare essentials of computer technology, including decent processing power, a stronger display, and a powerful battery, despite the fact that running complicated 3D modeling, rendering software, and high-end games would necessitate an increase in budget.

In a Hurry??? Check Top 3 Laptops For Students Below…

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Our Recommendations

ImageProductGlobal RatingPrice
Microsoft Surface Go

Microsoft Surface Go

  • 4.4 stars out of 5 stars
Price
HP Chromebook

HP Chromebook

  • 4.6 stars out of 5 stars
Price
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

  • 4.6 stars out of 5 stars
Price
Newest Lenovo Idea Pad

Newest Lenovo Idea Pad

  • 4.1 stars out of 5 stars
Price
Dell Latitude E5440 Laptop<br>

Dell Latitude E5440 Laptop

  • 2.5 stars out of 5 stars
Price
ASUS VivoBook 15 Portable

ASUS VivoBook 15 Portable

  • 4.5 stars out of 5 stars
Price
ASUS VivoBook L203MA Ultra<br>

ASUS VivoBook L203MA Ultra

  • 4.3 stars out of 5 stars
Price
ASUS Chromebook-Laptop

ASUS Chromebook-Laptop

  • 4.4 stars out of 5 stars
Price
Samsung Chromebook 3

Samsung Chromebook 3

  • 4.3 stars out of 5 stars
Price
ASUS Chromebook Flip

ASUS Chromebook Flip

  • 4.4 stars out of 5 stars
Price
Acer Chromebook

Acer Chromebook

  • 4.2 stars out of 5 stars
Price
Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

  • 4.4 stars out of 5 stars
Price
New Microsoft Surface Go 2

New Microsoft Surface Go 2

  • 4.5 stars out of 5 stars
Price
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

  • 4.6 stars out of 5 stars
Price

List Of Top 14 Best Laptops For Engineering Students Under $500 2023

While searching for the Best Laptops For Engineering Students Under $500 for you, we took into account a number of factors like the CPU, RAM, storage, display, and battery backup to ensure that it will provide you with the best possible performance.

We spent a lot of time researching the best laptops for you. We analyzed a number of laptops, read reviews, evaluated their performance, and then selected the Best Laptops Under $500 with the most up-to-date and powerful hardware combination. Try one of them given below:

Our Top Pick Laptop Under 500 – Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet might be for you if you’re searching for a lovely cheap laptop and don’t mind the thought of a hybrid tablet/Chromebook. Instead of buying the tablet and detachable keyboard separately, like the Microsoft Surface Go, which offers a more expensive experience.

The 10.1-inch tablet has a 2.0GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio P60T, 4GB of RAM, an ARM G72 MP3 GPU, and 64GB of eMMC storage space. However, since it’s a Chromebook, which primarily uses web-based services to take the workload off of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, it doesn’t matter.

Additionally, a low spec ensures that it won’t drain the battery quickly. Additionally, it sports a 1920 x 1080 display that is exceptionally bright and clear and is equally helpful for tearing through emails and browsing the web as it is for binge-watching YouTube.

Personal Review

I preferred Chrome OS to Windows. This Lenovo is ideal. It’s perfect for playing simple portrait games, and the keyboard snaps on easily. I prefer a real keyboard because I pay my bills and shop online. I appreciate that the keyboard folds up to hide the screen and has a snap-in back piece to lean the screen in different positions.

Pros
  • Excellent battery life
  • Sharp, colorful screen
  • Chrome OS tablet optimizations
Cons
  • Cramped keyboard
  • Flimsy hinge

Runner Up Pick Engineering Students Laptop Under $500 – New Microsoft Surface Go 2

New Microsoft Surface Go 2

We’ll add the Microsoft Surface Go 2 as a wild card to this list. It’s a hybrid computer that can serve as both a Windows 10 tablet and a traveler’s laptop, unlike other laptops. The Surface Go 2 doesn’t appear to be all that different from its predecessor from the outside, save for one clever tweak where Microsoft reduced the bezels to suit a 10.5-inch display rather than a 10-inch display; the screen still produces vibrant and vivid colors.

When the optional Type-Cover accessory is included, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 shines. By increasing its price, the entry-level Surface Go 2 tablet becomes a tiny laptop that is surprisingly capable. However, to keep costs at $500, you must accept an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage.

Although those characteristics are far from impressive, they should be adequate for anyone who wants a 2-in-1 tablet for simple productivity tasks, such as online browsing, word editing, and sending out many emails.

However, thanks to Steam compatibility, you can fill it up with movies, videos, and a few independent games to pass the time if you don’t want to work while you’re on the move. And with a longer battery life than its predecessor, the Surface Go 2 should be able to function without a power source for a decently long trip.

Personal Review

A 2K display, and good RAM. The screen is a good 10.5″, similar to an iPad. I love that an SD card can be inserted to add more storage; I did so with 516 GB. Windows 10 pro (at least on my tablet) received the Windows 11 update after a few updates. Look, this tablet simulates a desktop environment. You can add monitors and other devices with a USB-C hub. It’s weird to play remotely.

Pros
  • Much improved battery life
  • Bright, colorful (and bigger) screen
  • Excellent webcam
Cons
  • Performance falls flat.
  • There is a learning curve for Type Cover.

Customer Pick Top Engineering Laptops – Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

The iPad 2021 isn’t a laptop. But for $449, you can add an optional Apple Smart Keyboard, converting the tablet into a low-cost hybrid laptop. It resembles the Microsoft Surface Go in that regard.

This iPad can handle simple email tasks, word document drafting, and light photo and video editing. Even if it lacks power, very few laptops on this list do. Although iPadOS has its drawbacks, it can nevertheless handle a good number of commonplace activities. The Apple App Store also offers a wide variety of carefully selected apps, making the basic iPad a reliable tool for both light work and serious play.

Even though it appears a little dated compared to the more costly iPad Air 5, we recommend considering this as a secondary device.   

Personal Review

It can be attached quickly and easily, the keys make no noise, and it works with both the iPad Pro m1 and iPad Air m1. It offers the device some mechanical protection and some water resistance. It has two positions and a built-in magnetic element that keeps the iPad steady. I enjoy it!.

Pros
  • Superb battery life
  • Bright and colorful display
  • Fast chip
Cons
  • iPad OS limitations
  • The design is a bit dated

Best Seller Best Laptops For College Students Under $500 – Microsoft Surface Go

Microsoft Surface Go gg

If you’re a student wanting to spend less than $500 on a new laptop, greater productivity-centric features may be more appealing than basic processing capability. Because of the add-ons and sensible characteristics on the show, the extremely portable and effective Microsoft Surface Go is one of the best selections on the market. The basic Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor with a clock speed of 1.6GHz is at the heart of the system.

Although the current chipset isn’t the best in class, it can still accomplish basic jobs and little creative pursuits. Visuals and entry-level graphics-intensive needs are handled by the Intel HD 615 iGPU. Multitasking, on the other hand, works like a charm because students can take advantage of the 8GB RAM available.

The data reading and writing rates of the 128GB SSD module are noteworthy when it comes to storage. As the featured OS, Microsoft switches to the more power-efficient Windows 10 Home in S mode.

The 10-inch display is all about visual majesty, thanks to Microsoft’s Pixel Sense technology and a good contrast ratio. Multi-touch functionality and better screen durability thanks to Gorilla Glass 3 support entice college students even more.

When it comes to management, the Surface Go can always be paired with a removable keyboard known as the Type-Cover accessory. However, with a 5MP front and 8MP back shooter to rely on, using the same as in tablet or production mode is also conceivable.

A single microphone and inbuilt stereo speakers with Dolby Audio compatibility are among the other features. With USB Type-C, Attach Port, Bluetooth 4.1, and Wireless compatibility, the standalone Surface device is the most portable machine on our list, weighing in at 1.15 pounds.

The included battery is capable of providing a 9-hour backup before needing to be recharged. Overall, Microsoft’s Surface Go lives up to all of your fundamental expectations, but it really shines when it comes to portability.

Personal Review

Overall, I’m pleased with this; it meets my needs. I still prefer using an iPad, but that is probably because I am accustomed to them. However, I will happily continue with my Surface Go until they release a Mac OS like Windows 10 that can run on their iPads and accomplish all I need with MS Office.

Microsoft is on to something, and if they fix a few of my minor complaints for the Go version 2, it will turn into a terrific go-to tablet that can compete with the iPad. Microsoft, you’re just not there yet!

Pros
  • Power-saving processor
  • Lightweight design
  • Longer battery life
  • Dual-camera system
  • 8 GB of RAM
  • The display is clear.
  • Support for Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Cons
  • You’ll have to buy the keyboard separately
  • The screen is smaller

Top Rated Best Engineering Laptop: HP Chromebook

HP Chromebook kk

The HP Chromebook x360 is one of the ideal gadgets to invest in if you’re willing to give up Windows in favor of a web-based, open-source UI. Despite its low price, this notebook has some of the best features in its class, including a stunning display and capable processing components.

HP uses the Intel Core i3-10110U processor, which features dual-core architecture and a turbo clock speed of up to 4.10GHz. The featured chipset’s strong single-core performance ensures that increasingly demanding web-based applications run smoothly. There is an Intel UHD iGPU to rely on when it comes to the graphics-intensive arrangement.

Despite being a low-cost convertible, it comes with 8GB of RAM, which is a valuable resource for a college student. However, because this is a Chromebook, you only receive 64GB of internal eMMC storage capacity, and the remainder must be kept in the cloud or on online platforms.

HP is ditching Windows 10 in favor of Chrome OS, which is faster to load and doesn’t require a desktop program. If you spend the majority of your time as a student surfing the internet or using web apps, the Chromebook x360 is the best device to consider.

One of the nicest features a college student could ask for is the 14-inch touch-supported display. This feature gives the Chromebook x360 a sense of portability and flexibility. Aside from that, the IPS panel has a total display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which improves visual quality and color reproduction even more. In terms of productivity, HP prioritizes an intuitive backlit keyboard and a user-friendly touchpad.

With a weight of only 3.64 pounds, the Chromebook x360 is clearly one of the lightest electronics on the market. Not only doesn’t that, but the 0.7-inch thickness of the profile prevents the inclusion of SuperSpeed USB Type-A, Type-C, and a card reader. In terms of connectivity, you’ll be able to use Wi-Fi 6 wireless protocols. The current battery is more than adequate, with a 13-hour backup time.

Personal Review

For a year, Google is giving you 100 G of cloud storage. The touch screen is responsive and incredibly clear. Bright keyboard with backlight. Linux is another option that lets you leave the Chrome OS behind. It takes some getting accustomed to after using Windows for so long; I use it for my little company.

Pros
  • Backlit keyboard
  • Brilliant display
  • 10th generation processor
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Touchscreen display
  • Ports with SuperSpeed
Cons
  • Chrome OS may not be suitable for Windows users.
  • It is necessary to have constant internet access.

Editor Choice Best Laptop Under 500$: Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop pp

The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent choice for college students looking for a laptop that strikes the right balance between portability and processing power.

The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, which is one of the best entry-level CPUs in the mobile computing world, is powering the device. With twin cores and a raised clock speed of up to 3.5GHz, the CPU is capable of handling even the most demanding processing tasks. The AMD Radeon Vega 3 iGPU with a clock speed of 1200MHz, DirectX 12 support, and the processor-centric SenseMI technology is included in this notebook’s graphics.

4GB of system memory is more than enough to manage multitasking demands. The 128GB solid-state module with NVMe capability is worth mentioning in terms of storage. Despite being an ultrafast storage unit, the capacity is insufficient when considering college-centric preferences. Acer’s S Mode version of Windows 10 is bolstered by Amazon’s Alexa as the integrated voice assistant.

The 15.6-inch Full HD screen of the Acer Aspire 5 is possibly the greatest display on an entry-level device. The In-Plane Switching technology allows for far sharper images, as well as a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels overall.

Furthermore, the narrow bezels offer remarkable levels of visual clarity, while Color Intelligence technology ensures the most accurate color reproduction. Finally, the existing display has anti-glare capabilities, which are best exemplified by Acer’s BlueLight Shield support.

Despite being a sub-$500 laptop, there isn’t a shortage of productivity-focused features, with Acer including a sophisticated backlit keyboard, integrated touchpad, and powerful True Harmony speakers. An HD webcam and voice-purified twin microphones are also included.

The Aspire 5 is one of the thinnest and lightest laptops on our list, at only 3.97 pounds. Despite the small appearance, there are no connectivity compromises, including USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 2.0, HDMI, and other functional ports, as well as Gig Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi connections from Acer. When it comes to battery life, you get 7.5 hours on a single charge.

The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best sub-$500 laptops on our list, with a bright display and trustworthy computing components at its core.

Personal Review

After deleting Windows Home S mode, I updated it and downloaded my programs and games, at normal settings. It’s a laptop strong enough to play away from home, the materials are high-quality, and the backlit keyboard and aluminum cover gives it a stylish and modern look.

The screen edge is slim to maximize screen space, and I tested the dual boot with Linux KDE Plasma Neon on the SanDisk SSD and Windows 10 home on the Western Digital SSD. It works fantastic—press BIOS F12 to change the hard disk at boot time. It is Cost-effective.

Pros
  • The AMD processor is quite powerful, and the display is fantastic.
  • Exceptional connectivity options
  • Notebook that is light in weight
  • Solid-State Drives (SSDs) with Extremely Fast Read/Write Speed
  • Precision Boost technology is supported by the chipset.
Cons
  • Storage space is limited.
  • Only 4GB of RAM is available.

Cheap 2-In-1 Laptop Under $500: Newest Lenovo Idea Pad

Newest Lenovo Idea Pad dd

The Lenovo Idea Pad 15 is the device to consider if you’re searching for an AMD-powered cheap notebook. But why is that? Continue reading to learn more.

The AMD A9-9425 chipset has a respectable 3.1GHz base clock speed. If and when necessary, the dual-core chipset’s performance can be increased to 3.7GHz. Despite being an entry-level chipset, the AMD Radeon R5 iGPU, with 192 Shader and a clock speed of 800MHz, provides adequate support for this processor. As a result, for a $500 device, creative processing and content creation are easier than before.

This device has a modest 4GB RAM and a processor speed of 2133MHz. When it comes to storage, college students might be disappointed with the 128GB solid-state drive’s capacity. The working interface, on the other hand, is excellent with the Windows 10 Home version OS that comes pre-installed on the device.

You’ll also get access to a large 15.6-inch screen with a 1366×768-pixel equivalent resolution. While the brightness levels are average, the modest 100 PPI pixel density enables sharper viewing angles. Aside from that, the TN display has anti-glare qualities, which reduces the strain on your eyes. The display won’t let you down whether you’re streaming videos, viewing movies, or attending zoom lectures.

It has every essential productivity-focused spec on the market, including a sturdy keyboard, a sensitive touchpad with gesture support, dual speakers, an integrated HD webcam, a class-leading microphone, and an elusive optical drive.

With a weight of 4.60 pounds and basic data and display-centric connectors including USB 3.0, a dedicated card reader, and an HDMI slot, this is a very portable notebook. Aside from the typical connectivity features, you also receive an average battery that only lasts 5 hours at a time.

The new Lenovo Idea Pad 15 is as simple as a laptop can get, yet thanks to its revolutionary processor and integrated graphics card, it still stands out.

Personal Review

Although I bought it as a study laptop, the speed is adequate for basic tasks but insufficient for work. It is undoubtedly quicker than other laptops I’ve used. The screen is a little light, making watching movies unsuitable, but word and spreadsheets work well.

Its best features are the laptop’s numeric keypad and comfortable, large-keyed keyboard. If you prefer functionality over aesthetics, this laptop is for you because it is a steal for a fast, modern computer.

Pros
  • Optical drive built-in
  • Speakers on both sides
  • Single-core processor with good dual-core performance
  • TN panel with acceptable refresh rates and a class-leading integrated GPU with 192 Shaders
Cons
  • Mediocre battery
  • Display is underwhelming, especially for media consumption.

Best Budget Engineering Laptop: Dell Latitude E5440 Laptop

Dell Latitude E5440 Laptop

If you’re okay with an older but still functional PC for your college-related activities, the Dell Latitude E5440 is an excellent choice. While the original version may not be as inexpensive, the refurbished model can be purchased without hesitation.

When it comes to performance, the Intel Core i7-4600U processor is a worthy addition in the sub-$500 price range.

he power-efficient, dual-core chipset boasts a turbo clock speed of up to 3.3GHz despite being from Intel’s 4th generation of chipsets. You can conduct basic to mid-range photo editing without lags because of the efficient single-core performance.

The current GPU is strictly entry-level, with only 2GB of VRAM. Most significantly, it has GPU Boost 2.0 technology, which allows for overclocking. For gaming, you can play titles like Rocket League, Team Fortress, and Farming Simulator at the lowest HD presets and consistently achieve 70 FPS or more.

It comes with 8GB of RAM and is an excellent multitasking tool for college students. In terms of storage, you’ll get a 500GB SSD module.

It ensures that Windows 10 Pro is installed for the greatest user experience possible. This business-oriented laptop has a 14-inch screen with a total resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. Despite reducing savings on screen resolution,

Dell provides sharper viewing angles and good sunshine visibility thanks to the Wide-angle LED panel. Most importantly, the present panel has anti-glare features, which reduce eye strain.

Dell includes a regular keyboard and a responsive touchpad with the device. What sticks out is the optical drive’s availability, which is somewhat elusive in today’s computing devices. For video conferencing, you also get a serviceable microphone array and a nice 2MP HD webcam.

The Dell Latitude E5440 weighs 4.41 pounds and has a conventional range of ports and connectivity choices, such as a Mini Display Port, USB 3.0, HDMI, Gig Ethernet, and the E-port connector.

For improved connectivity, you now get Dual-Band wireless compatibility and Bluetooth 4.0. It lasted between 5 and 6 hours of moderate use in our tests. Overall, given the sub-$500 price range, it’s a capable notebook, highlighted by an i7 processor and a dedicated GPU.

Personal Review

The touch screen is apparent and easy to use. It has a backlight and is easy to see. You can also leave the Chrome OS behind if you use Linux. After using Windows for so long, it takes some time to get used to it. I use it for my small business.

Pros
  • Hyper Threading i7 CPU with vapor technology for remote access
  • Fast SSD-based storage device
  • Has a dedicated graphics processor
  • Optimus technology from NVIDIA
Cons
  • 4th generation CPU
  • With a mediocre battery

Best Working Laptop For Engineering Students: ASUS VivoBook 15 Portable

ASUS VivoBook kk

If you’re a student who usually has your laptop with them or a traveler, the ASUS VivoBook 15 portable laptop is an excellent alternative. When it comes to the style of this laptop, its traditional Slate Grey finish chassis provides it with a stunning appearance.

This ASUS laptop is a tiny and lightweight device that you can simply carry around with you. This ultra-thin and light laptop feature a 15.6-inch full HD 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with an incredible 88 percent screen-to-body ratio. From every aspect, it provides exceptional image quality and color accuracy.

To begin with, the laptop’s specifications are as follows: it is powered by a 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU with a turbo boost of up to 3.4GHz. This laptop has 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is more than adequate to run many applications at the same time without crashing. This laptop comes with a 128GB SSD drive, which is speedier than a hard drive.

Thank you for providing Intel UHD 620 graphics for games and programs that require regular visuals. All of these strong features are encased in a 0.8-inch thin profile that weighs only 3.75 pounds.

If you’re a school/college student, a teacher, a writer, or someone who travels with a laptop on a regular basis, this thin and light laptop is the ideal choice for you. Furthermore, this ASUS VivoBook fingerprint sensor technology is available in this price range, so you won’t have to type your password every time.

You can use this function to access the system with a single touch. This notebook also boasts quick charging technology, which can charge the battery up to 60% in just 49 minutes. Overall, this ASUS VivoBook is a fantastic mixture of performance and function, making it a great laptop for everyday work and entertainment that you can get a laptop for engineering right now for around $500.

Personal Review

This laptop has been a beast for me despite having fundamental hardware for more than a year. I’ve used to operate live broadcasting and live VJ programs for many live show productions. So far, I’ve had zero failures with it.

Pros
  • Excellent Display
  • Powerful Processor
  • Long Battery
Cons
  • Nil

Top Laptop For Engineering: ASUS VivoBook L203MA Ultra

ASUS VivoBook L203MA Ultra

Most college students want a low-cost computer capable of handling research, writing, and peer collaboration. The ASUS VivoBook L203MA-DS04 is great for getting coursework done for the usual studious multitasked. Because the laptop weighs just over 2 pounds with the battery, students will have no trouble carrying it to campus.

When it comes to the battery, it doesn’t need to be charged frequently because it lasts up to 10 hours. It’s no surprise that the screen is 11.6 inches due to the device’s modest weight. The screen’s 1366 x 768 resolution, on the other hand, is making it easy on the eyes.

It’s simple to share work with classmates and teachers thanks to the fold-flat display. If you’re a math or science student, keep in mind that the keyboard lacks a keypad. The Vivobook L203MA-DS04 has an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of flash storage to keep up with many projects without delays or sluggish loading times.

This powerful PC should provide plenty of flexibility for both education and fun for any student. Because most students utilize a range of Microsoft apps, ASUS provides a free full year of Microsoft 365, which boosts productivity.

Personal Review

The keyboard is comfortable to use and strikes a good mix between being robust and “clicky” while remaining small. Once you get used to its size, it’s really simple to type with little to no error at near your quickest speeds. This item is incredibly light. Maybe I’m just accustomed to heavier laptops, but this one is light and portable.

Do anything you want with it—throw it in a backpack, sling it over your shoulder. As far as I can tell, this item is pretty sturdy, so all that lightness doesn’t mean I have to secure it in a specific container carefully. You can use any old laptop bag or pocket.

Pros
  • 10-hour battery life in a lightweight and compact package
  • Office 365 for a year is free.
Cons
  • There is no keypad.

Best Laptop For Student: ASUS Chromebook-Laptop

ASUS Chromebook-Laptop

The ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS04 is the machine for you if you need a simple laptop on a budget. Despite having only a 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron N3060 processor and 4GB of RAM, the Chromebook C202SA-YS04 boasts a fantastic battery life of up to 10 hours and one year of free Google cloud storage.

The Chromebook C202SA-YS04 is highly portable, weighing just under 3 pounds and featuring a modest 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display. Because of its small size, ASUS included a protective shell and a sturdy keyboard.

The Chromebook C202SA-YS04 is protected by a thick layer of protective rubber that protects it from drops of nearly 4 feet. Furthermore, the sturdy keyboard is unaffected by the occasional spill of coffee or water (up to 66 cubic centimeters of fluid).

Because of its small size, the Chromebook C202SA-YS04 has a unique set of obstacles. Because of the small display, it may be difficult to view the screen and it may be prone to glare. Fortunately, the anti-glare treatment and the ability to flex the hinge entirely flat for viewing the screen with others compensate for the screen’s small viewing area and glare susceptibility.

Users have many USB connections for storing files on an external drive and accessing the Google Play Store for downloading approved Android apps, despite the Chromebook C202SA-compact YS04’s size.

Personal Review

Additionally, it performs quickly, and I haven’t experienced any touchpad or slow operating problems that some reviewers have reported. Easy setup and ready to use. No waiting for the computer to start up or anything similar. I strongly advise doing this.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly, long-lasting battery that is both portable and robust.
Cons
  • The processor is slower, and the RAM is ordinary.
  • A small display

Best Laptop Under 500$: Samsung Chromebook 3

Samsung Chromebook 3

Another good budget laptop for college students is the Samsung Chromebook 3. This laptop has an anti-reflective 11.6-inch display with a higher build and excellent hardware.

This Samsung laptop is worth considering if you want to stay connected online or need a laptop for leisure. It is believed to be one of the lightest laptops for college students, weighing only 2.54 pounds.

As a result, you may easily pack it in your backpack with your books for college. The screen on this Chromebook opens up 180 degrees, which is a cool feature. As a result, you can rest it flat on a table. On its LED display, which has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and viewing angles of 45 degrees from both sides, you can see brighter visuals. With its gently curved contour, the spill-keyboard makes typing more comfortable. Furthermore, the touchpad is extremely sensitive, responding to even a small press.

The 16GB SSD lets you save all of your files, papers, and other data, while the 2GB RAM lets you surf the web without a hitch. It has the ability to stream videos and run a few Web applications. It may be restarted in less than 5 seconds. Its image-enhancement technologies and Intel HD Graphics card enable you to see vibrant images.

For added connectivity, this laptop includes an audio and microphone connector, a microSD card slot, HDMI, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 connections. With the 720p HD webcam, you can even video chat with your friends. You may even take selfies with it. You can connect your Android devices to this laptop via Air Droid and have full access to them. With its capability for 802.11ac, you can even have a wireless connection.

Personal Review

This Chromebook is undoubtedly portable, but I had hoped for something lighter. The battery life has me quite amazed! But given that my gaming laptop runs out of power after ten minutes off the charger (which isn’t a big concern as I keep it on my desk because it’s connected to a second monitor), it would take little to wow me. The battery was fully charged in a little over two hours.

Pros
  • Excellent hardware
  • Affordable price
  • Sensitive touchpad
Cons
  • No cons

Best Budget Engineering Laptop: ASUS Chromebook Flip

ASUS Chromebook Flip pp

From Asus comes one of the best touch screen laptops for college students. This touch screen with a stylus support laptop may also be used as a tablet, thanks to its attractive design, tactile keyboard, and gorgeous screen.

This laptop can be turned inside out, as the name implies. It has a 360-degree hinge that allows you to utilize the Chromebook in a variety of ways. It boasts an all-aluminum chassis with an anodized finish to complete the aesthetic. You can fold it up to the size of the asymmetrical metal slab thanks to the design.

This laptop has a magnetic clasp that allows it to be used as a tablet. The touchpad allows for two-finger scrolling and precise tracking.

This laptop is compatible with Android apps from the Google Play Store. As a result, exactly like on your tab, you may swipe and tap on your preferred app. Its 14-inch screen is easy to read and displays dynamic visuals seamlessly.

The 4GB LPDDR3 RAM allows you to multitask and the machine boots up in less than 5 seconds. The laptop’s functionality is enhanced with the 64GB eMMC and integrated Intel HD Graphics 615 card. Additionally, you will receive 100GB of free Google Drive storage for the next two years.

With this laptop, you may play games, perform your work, and keep yourself entertained wherever you go. It doesn’t need fans because it doesn’t need to be cooled.

Anti-virus protection and other security features are built-in to keep your Chromebook safe and secure. For easy, quick, and convenient connectivity, it has 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connections. Other peripheral devices can be connected via the USB 3.1 Type-C port, microSD card slot, and audio jack.

Personal Review

The primary selling features are the screen and battery life. Before you boot it up and experience the impact of the narrow bezels for yourself, it isn’t easy to describe. Although some people claim it’s a touch pricey, the aluminum body gives this laptop a feeling of being excellent quality.

Like anything else, you must conduct preliminary research. Look for another laptop if you don’t want aluminum; however, for me, this exceeded my expectations in every way.

Pros
  • Gorgeous screen
  • Foldable
  • Large storage space
Cons
  • No cons

Best Laptop Under 500 USD – Acer Chromebook

Acer Chromebook kk

This Acer 11-inch Chromebook is a great option if you’re looking for a cheap laptop for college. It has a robust build with a smudge-free and scratch-free design. As a result, it can survive normal wear and tear.

Because of its small size, it may easily fit into your college bag without adding bulk. It has IPS technology, which allows you to view the display from a broad range of angles and at a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. As a result, the display is ideal for casual use. The keyboard, on the other hand, is not backlit, which is understandable for such a low-cost laptop for college students.

This laptop has 2GB of RAM and is capable of handling basic computing activities. However, if you open numerous tabs at once, it may slow down. It reboots in less than 5 seconds and has video streaming capabilities. You can keep your vital data and files on the 16GB SSD (Solid State Drive). In addition, while the Intel HD Graphics card is capable of doing basic tasks, it does not allow gaming.

This laptop includes USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for transferring data and connecting other devices. It also comes with an HDMI connector, an HD camera, HD audio compatibility, and two stereo speakers built-in. With dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 capability, you can also connect wirelessly.

Personal Review

My Chromebook is fantastic! I appreciate that it has talking technology, just like a cell phone. I would like black, but it doesn’t matter because I wouldn’t say I like it because it’s only available in white.

I am pretty happy with my purchase because It was great and is compatible with my smart TV, allowing me to finally have everything on my large-screen TV and cut my cable in favor of Netflix and YouTube in the future.

Pros
  • Cheap
  • Connect wirelessly
Cons
  • Connect wirelessly

Product Comparison

The Spin 311 from Acer is precisely what most people anticipate from a Chromebook: compact, affordable, and competent enough to handle work and light play daily. For a Chromebook of this size and budget, the keyboard is fantastic. The battery life is also good, and even while the performance isn’t excellent, it’s adequate for handling simple, everyday chores.

The Spin 311 is one of the finest Chromebooks for kids and can compete with some of the top Chromebooks at similar price points for anyone looking for a very portable device that gets the basics right.

As long as you intend to unplug the Acer Aspire 5 sparingly, it’s a great little laptop. It has a beautiful 15.6-inch 1080p display, many ports, and a comfortable full-size keyboard for typing.

However, because of its dismal battery life, which stayed less than 7 hours in our lab testing and frequently ran out after only a few hours of streaming video in real-world situations, it is different from the budget all-star its predecessor was.

How Do We Test Laptops?

Two steps comprise the review process for laptops, desktop computers, tablets, and other computer-like devices: performance testing under controlled lab circumstances and substantial hands-on use by our professional reviewers. This entails assessing the features, ergonomics, and aesthetics of a device. These two evaluations—objective and subjective—are combined to provide a final review judgment.

As the devices we test advance over time, so does the array of benchmarking programs we employ. Primate Labs Geekbench 5, PCMark 10, Cinebench R23, and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra are the most significant core tests we are currently doing on every supported computer. 

Best Laptops For Engineering Students Under $500 Buyer’s Guide

Because I know most of you just want to be told what to buy, I’ll try to summarize the last section here (details may be found at the end!). Let’s divide engineers into 3D and 2D engineers for the purposes of laptop purchases. If you’re a CAD engineer (civil, mechanical, or aeronautical), you’re a 3D engineer who could have to deal with specifications (just finding a laptop with a dedicated graphics card really).

Electrical, computer, chemical, software, industrial, and other 2D engineers may get by with almost any modern laptop that runs Windows 10 Home.

Weight                             

If you’re a student, this is probably the most crucial aspect. The least amount of weight is feasible. Maintain a 3-pound weight limit (unfortunately powerful ultra-lightweight laptops are expensive).

Display

Size: If you’re going to be staring at this monster for days, you might as well treat your eyes well. If possible, get a 13-inch display with a matte surface (or set brightness to low levels).

For all engineers, the resolution is 1080p. This will provide ample room and will scale well with any software available. 4K resolution displays should be avoided (you will anyways, they cost an eyeball).

GPU

For 3D engineers, any consumer or “gaming” GPU with 2GB RAM (in other words, any GPU produced during the last three years, yes, any) will suffice!

This requirement isn’t even necessary for 2D engineers to look at. Workstation cards should only be considered by experienced engineers (even then they might only be useful in every special situation).

SSD

TIME management is the key to success in every lesson; if you want to save time, purchase an SSD (this will max out productivity because everything will load up in a second including the boot time of your laptop). In 2022, almost all laptops will have an SSD, so double-check.

CPU

For both 3D and 2D engineers, Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 chips and above are required. If money is tight, 2D engineers can make do with core i3 and other AMD processors.

RAM

Engineers should strive for 8GB of RAM. This will eliminate any slowness caused by any software or the number of active browser tabs.

Conclusion

Selecting the Best Laptops For Engineering Students Under $500 might be difficult since we must consider each of their individual preferences before making a decision. When it comes to gadget-centric requirements, you are incredibly fickle as a student, and determining your wants is a difficult undertaking.

We hope you are able to locate the ideal gadget for your computing requirements. If you’re still stumped and need some expert guidance, please contact us or leave a comment below. Our laptop experts have a reputation for helping clients choose the best selection in less than 12 hours. You can also utilize our Laptop Finder in the meantime (which allows you to filter devices based on their specifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a powerful laptop required for engineering students?

You don’t have it. It’s ok to use a modest laptop for text processing. If you need to conduct 3D modeling or other things, most schools offer engineering computers in their labs. However, having the option to run anything and anything on your own personal laptop is quite convenient.

How much RAM do I require for engineering?

According to experts, 4GB of RAM is sufficient for all of the basic tasks that any Computer Science Engineering student would need to complete.

Is 8GB of RAM sufficient for engineering?

8 GB RAM should suffice, but if you can afford it, I would recommend upgrading to 16 GB (assuming whatever laptop you are using will accommodate that amount). You’ll appreciate the speed, especially if you’re doing numerous things at once. Furthermore, upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is beneficial.

What should an engineer check for when purchasing a laptop?

8GB of RAM is required for an engineering laptop.
At least 1024GB of hard disc space, or 1TB (SSD is better)
A screen resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels is required.
A processor with an Intel i5 core or above is required.
Graphics card that is both powerful and dedicated.

Is 4GB of RAM sufficient for AutoCAD?

No, 4 GB is insufficient. TL;DR: Get an AutoCAD-specific graphics card and boost your RAM. 16 GB of RAM is what I would recommend. To be honest, 8 GB is definitely enough, but you could get 16 GB or even 2×16 GB.

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