There is basic set of specifications you should know about when buying a cheap notebook or cheap laptop computer. Understanding these specs and knowing what you are after will ensure you don’t end up spending too much.

Here’s the basic list: Processor (CPU), Memory (RAM), Hard drive, Screen size (in inches), Battery capacity, Operating system, Weight

NETBOOKS UNDER $400
When buying a netbook, you’re looking for two things: long battery life and low price. Netbooks almost exclusively use Intel’s Atom processor, which is a low power CPU.

Most Atom CPUs are single-core chips and while there are dual-core Atoms, they’re only fractionally quicker than with single-core models. We recommend sticking with an entry-level single-core Atom because with dual-core models, you’re compromising the Atom’s one advantage and losing around 15-20% of battery life.

Aside from the CPU, thee most important feature of a netbook is the battery. Look for a six-cell battery with a capacity of at least 4,400mAh. Combined with an entry level single-core Atom, that battery should be able to deliver close to a full working day of normal use. Avoid netbooks with only a three-cell battery. They’ll be cheaper, but their battery life will only be half that of a six-cell battery.

With other components, most netbooks are sold with 1GB of RAM and no more than a 250GB hard drive. You can generally upgrade to 2GB of RAM and a higher capacity hard drive later, but frankly, the extra memory does little for performance. Usually netbooks have 10.1 inch screens with a resolution of 1,024 x 600 pixels, which is fine for their purpose.

Don’t pay any more than $400 – higher priced netbooks generally aren’t worth the premium. Netbooks are and should always be considered as highly portable laptops for basic applications such as email, web browsing and word processing.

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As with netbooks there is no optical drive, but what you do get is more memory (2GB) and a faster CPU. They’re around twice as fast as a netbook and 35-45% slower than a full-size notebook.

The main choices for CULV CPUs are Intel’s Pentium SU4100 or AMD’s Fusion E-350. In general, the SU4100 delivers better application speed, although the E-350 gives you a little more battery life.

CULV notebooks usually come with a decent six-cell battery, but expect battery life about 30% less than a good netbook.

Prices vary from around $500 up to $800, and that’s the main problem with CULV notebooks: you can buy a significantly more powerful full size notebook for the same price or less. However if you need portability, decent battery life and better than netbook speed, they are a good compromise.

The best-value CULV we’ve seen recently is the Gigabyte 31105M which sells for around $499.

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Performance is three or four times what you’d get from an Atom based netbook and you’ll find must-have extras such as a DVD burner, 802.1n wireless networking and a HDMI output.

You also get 2GB of RAM, a 320GB or 500GB hard drive and the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium. The biggest drawbacks are the weight (at around 2.5kg, they’re twice as heavy as a netbook) and battery life, which is around half that of a good netbook.

Unless you really need the extra portability and battery life of a netbook or CULV unit, a full-size notebook is probably the best option for budget buyers, offering more performance and features, as well as a bigger screen. HP’s 362-454TU is the best example we’ve seen lately and it sells for only $499.

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In this price range you get one of Intel’s new Core i-series processors. The Core i3-2310M is a popular choice at this price, offering significantly better performance and battery life over budget processors and first-generation Core i3 chips. However, if you shop around you can also find Core i5-2410M CPUs which are over 50% faster than budget Pentium P6200-based notebooks and increased battery life to near CULV levels.

Screen technology generally doesn’t change at this price – 15.6 inches and 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution are pretty much universal. When it comes to storage, you should expect a 500GB hard drive, but still only a DVD burner. Blu-ray drives require you to spend up around the $1,500 mark on the few models where it’s available.

If you find a notebook offering 4GB of RAM make sure there’s no major compromise elsewhere. Adding more memory later is a lot easier than adding a HDMI port if it’s missing.

Overall, you can find outstanding value at this price. Good buys include the MSI CR640, which sells for $690 and the Dell Vostro 3550 which sells for $799.

The best process for buying a laptop is as follows:

• Document the specifications that best suit your computing needs.
• Use the internet to research the best available price for laptop brands and models that meet these specifications.
• Remember that some vendors offer better prices for online purchases.