New laptops, desktops, and netbooks for $400 or less

Consumer Reports News: July 30, 2009 06:08 AM

Find Ratings

Computers

Got $400? That's all it takes to get one of several computers we recommend in our latest Ratings of laptops, desktops, and netbooks (available to subscribers).

There are lots of bargains out there right now as manufacturers recently released a slew of new models, and prices are dropping on the old ones to make way for the latest stock. You can still find some great systems among those "older" models.

For example, we recommend a Toshiba laptop that costs just $380. For that, you get a 15-inch model with a 250GB hard drive and 3.5 hours of battery life. We also recommend a Compaq desktop that's just $350, and would make a good basic system for routine computer use. If your space is limited, there's a $400 Acer computer that's compact, but full of features.

If you're in the market for a smaller laptop or an all-in-one system, there are plenty of bargains to be had. For example, although all-in-one desktops are generally more costly than other desktops, we recommend a $780 Dell all-in-one. Thirteen-inch laptops have always cost more than their larger counterparts, but $900 is no longer an uncommon price for a slim-and-light system like those we recommend from HP and Apple.

Speaking of Apple, the company last month dropped prices on most of its systems. For example, prices on both the 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro dropped by $300, and those models have been upgraded, so you get a better computer for less money.

And of course, if you're in the market for a secondary system for easy toting and Web surfing, take a look at our Ratings of netbooks, where you'll find our recommendation for an Acer system that has 9 hours of battery life. —Donna Tapellini