Best Laptops Under $100 – Not Cheap But Worthy!

Having a laptop today means more than just emailing and Facebook browsing. We have entered a time where having a modern laptop can mean the difference between meeting your monthly goals and possibly failing a term at college.

As diverse as our lives have now become, we need our technology to fall in line. Luckily there is a vast array of options in the market today suited to the various requirements we have.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems we face is the price we pay for the features we will get. This article on the best laptops under 100 dollars will give you some insight and put your mind at ease.

We will evaluate a range of products that will give you functionality, last for long periods, and save you some money along the way.

Here is an in-depth look at new or refurbished laptops in the more affordable price range.

Best Laptops Under $100 in 2022 – Not Cheap But Worthy!

1. HP Chromebook N2840 – Editor’s Pick

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Do you really use your laptop to its full potential?

Let us ease into the article with a laptop for 100 dollars or less with a more simplistic view of functionality. The N2840 is wonderfully suited to online work and simplistic usage but still has the performance to impress.

Chrome OS

Deciding not to run with the full Desktop OS, the N2840 runs on Chrome OS. All the applications on this laptop get applied through the Chrome browser with the benefit of offline mode for when you cannot log in.

The HP N2840’s outer casing has been reinforced with metal to give it a more realistic look and feel.

HP Chromebook N2840

Efficient CPUs

One of the problems cheaper technology faces is a lack of performance. Chromebook decided to make use of the dual-core Samsung Exynos 5 Dual ARM-based SoC.

Had this been a Windows-based laptop, this may not have worked, but luckily ChromeOS is made for efficient CPUs making sure that they did not cut corners in functionality.

Screen Time

Your screen is of utmost importance for your viewing and working pleasure. The N2480 has an 11-inch IPS high-resolution with a full-screen mode that boasts high resolution and easy reading capabilities.

The screen cannot tilt back 180 degrees but has fantastic viewing from any angle and vibrant colors.

Well, yeah, nowadays, it’s hard to find out a good mobile or cellphone for $100 while you’re getting a complete full fledged computer functionalities within nearby range. Now, you say! Shouldn’t we include this product as one of the best laptops under $100 list here? Well, yeah, we should! And, we’ve included it here for that same reason.

Key Features
  • The edge-to-edge keyboard is immersed in the laptop and provides for decent-sized keys.
  • Chrome OS shortcut keys are present to negate the browser and reload pages.
  • Several ports enable you to plug in external devices.
  • Video calling function made easy with built-in camera and speakers.
  • The keyboard is Trackpad enabled for easy typing and scrolling.
  • This laptop has an extended battery life for more usage.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: 2.16 GHz Intel Celeron N284
  • Operating System: Google Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: HP
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768 HD
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • The sound quality is perfect for video streaming.
  • There is a touchpad on the keyboard.
  • While you are typing, the touchpad deactivates to prevent you from scrolling at the same time.
  • Some basic gestures are supported, such as swiping with two fingers to go back or forward.
  • The keyboard is responsive when typing.

Cons

  • There is no touchscreen leaving interaction solely possible through the keyboard and touchscreen.
  • Keyboard keys are not all in their traditional places.
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2. HP Stream Intel Celeron N4000

Style is not everything, but it is something that we can embellish when purchasing a laptop. The HP Stream N4000 is a stylish, affordable, and portable laptop that looks good and performs well.

Equipped with Office 365, this beauty will have you working, studying, or relaxing with a movie in style and on par with the competition.

Dual Speakers

With a laptop under 100 dollars, you would expect subpar applications. The Intel N4000 comes fitted with dual speakers in front of the keypad panel for stereo quality sound.

These tuned speakers will offer you the best results when listening to music or watching Netflix. You will not be left feeling wanting.

HP Stream Intel Celeron N4000

Long-Lasting

Nowaday’s we are all on the go taking our laptops everywhere with us. The last thing that we need is a battery that does not keep up the pace.

The N4000 has a battery life of over 8 hours to ensure that whether you are at home or working from the local coffee shop, you have power.

Multitasking

We all like to rely on our laptops to be able to multitask for us. When you have a dual-core processor and 4 GB RAM you can run multiple applications without a hitch.

To complement your graphics there is an Intel UHD Graphics 600 processor. This coupled with the stereo speakers, gives you flawless visuals and sound.

Key Features
  • The 11-inch screen displays quality with detail of 1 million pixels.
  • 64 GB EMMC compact memory system is ideally suited to quicker boot-up times, streamlining data management, and enhanced storage.
  • Wi-Fi 5 enabled WLAN adapter with Bluetooth provides solid connections.
  • This device is compact and slim to fit into your life and suit your personality.
  • One year trial period for Microsoft 365 Personal is complimentary.
  • Micro SD card slot installed for easy access to personal content.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: 1.1 GHz Intel Celeron N4000
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Manufacturer: HP
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768 HD
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • Front-facing camera and built-in microphone
  • Installed with Intel UHD Graphics.
  • The visual quality provided with HP Webcam is good.
  • Stereo speakers provide exceptional sound quality for viewing videos.
  • Windows defender ensures that all your data and files remain secure.
  • You have full access to Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and more.

Cons

  • The laptop tends to overheat after a while and is not quickly cooled.
  • Microsoft applications are only valid for one year.

3. Samsung XE310XBA-K02US Chromebook 4

We are all looking for a laptop that will last the whole day without us having to plug it in for power.

The Samsung Chromebook 4 is a mini laptop for under 100 dollars which offers incredible performance and a long-lasting battery.

Students Choice

The Samsung Chromebook 4 is for the student market with curved edges displayed in a silver hue.

The body comes encased in a plastic body that lends itself towards the student market look and has an aluminum top. This laptop is light and slim so that it is portable.

Samsung XE310XBA-K02US Chromebook 4

Connections

The Chromebook 4’s left-hand side panel comes fitted with a USB-C port to power up the machine. Next to that is a microSD and headphone jack. The right panel comes with a USB 3.0 port and a security slot.

Durability has passed testing for transit drop tests, vibration tests, high and low temperatures, and dust.

Camera and Battery Life

The webcam runs with 0.9 megapixels that produce great clarity. Even when snapping pictures, the laptop lasts for over 10 hours.

You will be able to go mobile with this device without worrying about it crashing, but there is also the USB charger that is compact and easy to take along.

Key Features
  • The laptop comes fitted with hands-free voice controls through Google assist.
  • Easy to use the keyboard with touchpad.
  • There is an 11.6-inch screen with a light and compact body.
  • The casing is durable with rubberized edges for drop protection.
  • This laptop comes installed with advanced security for data protection and multiple layered virus protection.
  • Clear and concise sound fills up the room during videos or playing music.
  • You get extended battery life for an on-the-go lifestyle.
  • Enjoy constant connectivity with fast Wi-Fi protocols.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4000
  • Operating System: Google Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: Samsung
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768 HD
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • The Chromebook 4 has a lightweight body, aluminum casing for a more sleek look and feel.
  • Google assist enabled for voice control.
  • 0.9-megapixel webcam for stellar selfies.
  • Heat protected to ensure that the laptop circuits do not overheat.
  • Android app is compatible with gaming available on the Google Play Store.

Cons

  • The Chromebook 4 is not touch screen enabled. That leaves a big gap as the Android apps are available.
  • The brightness settings can’t be increases.

4. Samsung Chromebook 3, 11.6-inch XE50013

When you are looking for laptops for under 100 dollars, you need to look no further than the Samsung Chromebook 3.

This lightweight device protects your data with built-in security and enjoys easy access with a simple Google login.

Splash Resistant

Is a laptop that has a water-resistant keyboard something we look for? Not necessarily, but it cannot hurt finding one.

The Samsung Chromebook 3 does come fitted with a water-resistant keyboard just in case the cat knocks over that glass of water while you work. A nice little bonus feature for you.

Samsung Chromebook 3

Looks matter

The Chromebook 3 is for budget-conscious buyers. That does not mean it is cheap and nasty. It comes fitted with a black plastic casing, which pulls off a professional metallic look.

Compact in size, this is the ideal device to have with you on the go and not weighing you down, is also quite strong and will withstand being dropped and not breaking apart.

Graphics

Coming in close to full HD resolution, the Samsung Chromebook has 1366 x 768 resolution and features a bright enough display that is visible in most environments.

There is no touchscreen here. All Android apps need to be accessed through the laptop the same as any other application.

Key Features
  • The N3060 has an 11.6-inch screen with decent resolution and display.
  • There is more than enough memory with 4GB RAM to run Android apps.
  • A Micro SD slot is available for additional storage capacity.
  • You get ver 11 hours of battery life for long-lasting usage.
  • Water-resistant keyboard for those in-case moments or baking in the kitchen.
  • The laptop has built-in security to protect against viruses and malware.
  • Use in the traditional notebook setting or recline the screen 180 degrees to share your view with others.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Celeron N3060
  • Operating System: Google Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: Samsung
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768 HD
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable laptop.
  • Bluetooth 4.0 enabled.
  • SD slot provides an additional storage option.
  • Easy to use with no setup requirements for you to log in and go.
  • Batter life is a massive benefit for on-the-go users.
  • Webcam enabled for video chats with friends and family.

Cons

  • The power button is positioned directly above the backspace key and is right in line to be touched when working.

5. Dell Latitude D830 15.4 Inch Laptop

The Dell D830 is the successor of the D820 with the new Santa Rosa Platform and is of medium size. With a light and thin body, the D830 comes covered in a business-like grey casing.

The outer shell of this laptop is pressure-resistant has flexural rigidity that is a great cheap laptop for under 100 dollars.

Keyboard Setup

Installed with a typical Dell keyboard, the keys have a good amount of travel and feedback. The touchpad is responsive and easy to use with buttons that have a softer click.

There is also a pointing stick that requires a steady hand for use. It has buttons for the TrackPoint that also has a smoother click.

Dell Latitude D830

Screen Display

The screen of the D830 is visibly brighter than its predecessor casting a good amount of light onto the keyboard. Horizontal view angles on this Dell are pretty good without much distortion.

The screen is certainly not washed out with full brightness with no fading giving your images a near-perfect display.

Sound Surprise

For a laptop, the D830 performs well when playing a movie or listening to some music. From close to the laptop, the sound is not distorted and rings clear. It also travels well across the room to give you a rounded experience.

Bear in mind that this is an entry-level machine that gives you an all-around performance.

Many people even shared their experience with us by mentioning that this is a good lightweight gaming laptop in their opinion. Well, we’re not sure about their claim but yeah, it has some great performance capabilities.

Key Features
  • You will get good usage from this laptop with up to 6 hours of battery life.
  • The 15-inch screen offers good resolution and brightness with reflection reduction.
  • The D830 comes with a touchpad and pointing stick giving you flexible usage options.
  • A lightweight design with a grey finish gives you a business-like look.
  • This device houses two USB ports and a removable optical drive.
  • The keyboard is a good size and easy to use with a softer click.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T7700
  • Operating System: Google Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: Dell
  • Resolution: 1680 x 1050
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • The laptop does not overheat and remains at standard temperatures.
  • 120 GB hard drive is perfect for basic functionality.
  • Battery life is up to 6 hours.
  • The fan is relatively quiet while the machine is in use.
  • The D830 is great for movie watching with good screen resolution and sound.

Cons

  • When fully set up, there is a bit of light leakage from the screen.
  • Storage space on this machine is limited without external devices.

6. Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop N4020

Talk about a wow factor, a laptop that has a screen that can rotate 360 degrees. Passive cooling makes sure that this laptop runs soundlessly and is arguably the best laptop under 100 dollars.

The N4020 gifts you with a 45W Type-C power cable and a dedicated stylus.

Design

The Acer Spin is silver which already makes it more stylish than others in this range. It comes in what feels like an aluminum casing.

Installed with Corning Gorilla Glass that protects the screen, the lid is flex-resistant and made from antimicrobial materials killing microorganisms. There are also two cameras, one in the upper hinge and one on the top.

Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Dedicated Keyboard

Tablets usually do not have dedicated keyboards. But this spin laptop does when you convert it from the traditional laptop to the tablet style.

The keyboard has long key travel that varies between easy clicking and some stiff keys. There are also dedicated “Alt” and “Control” keys due to the lack of “Fn” and “Windows” keys.

Ports

To the left, we have the Power button and a USB Type-C 3.1 port that doubles up for power, as well as a MicroSD card reader and the headphone jack.

On the right panel, you will find another USB port and a protruding volume rocker. There is also a Type-A port or receptacle.

Well yeah, all these premium range specs make it a good rated 2-in-1 laptop among its user for a reason.

Key Features
  • The laptop comes with built-in virus protection and updates that run automatically.
  • The N4020 comes installed with all your favorite Google apps.
  • Access to more than two million Android apps.
  • Sufficient built-in storage for access when offline.
  • Battery lasts up to ten hours for extended usage.
  • An additional 100 GB of google drive space ensures that you can back up all your files automatically.
  • The Acer N4020 comes installed with an 11.6-inch HD Touch IPS Display.
  • Sufficient ports for external devices.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4000
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: Acer
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • The device boots up in seconds and is easy to use.
  • It is well suited to people on the go with a sleek and lightweight design.
  • N4000 is Wi-Fi compatible with robust and secure signals for constant connectivity.
  • The screen can rotate 360 degrees.
  • This laptop has both Type-A and Type-C USB ports.

Cons

  • The speakers are angled towards the surface that the machine is sitting on. This can distort the sound and prevent it from traveling well.

7. Acer Chromebook 315 N4000

Acer has been producing some of the best laptops under 100-dollars, and the Chromebook 315 is no exception.

With anti-glare, a dedicated number pad, and a fast CPU, the N4000 will work for longer with more powerful technology behind it. The battery also gives you extended usage with its longer-lasting capability.

Numeric Keypad

The Acer N4000 has an easy-to-use keypad that comes with its dedicated number pad as well. The number pad is ideal for anyone needing to do figures or spreadsheets and sets this laptop apart from the rest.

The keyboard itself is easy to use with an efficient layout. The keys are not stiff and do not stick.

Acer Chromebook 315 N4000

Camera and Speakers

The N4000 comes with a 720p webcam that produces standard pictures but is not top of the range. The camera works well with video chat and conference calls.

Acer speakers allow sound to travel through a relatively well-sized room when playing movies and music but cannot be cranked up to high to avoid sound distortion.

Multiple Applications

The Acer will have no problems running multiple browser pages, Google Play Store, and the Android app without suffering a breakdown which is good news.

The screen is a touch screen which is of benefit when applying apps and browsing. There are twin USB ports on both sides making it priced right with great benefits.

Still not impressed with this product? Well, then in our opinion, you’re looking for some good range and functional laptop that lets you play high end games as well. And, in that case, you should take a look on our curation for some best gaming laptops within 500 dollars range. Yeah, those are a bit pricey, but we’re sure you’ll open up your budget and buy something cool when you’ll see our curation.

Key Features
  • The Acer N4000 runs on Chrome OS that is a Google operating system that has built-in virus protection.
  • On the laptop, you will find all the Google apps. They allow you to convert edit and, download files.
  • Over two million Android apps are available through Google Play.
  • The Acer N4000 has 100 GB of additional storage through Google Drive.
  • The touch screen is 15.6-inches with a Full HD Touch IPS Display.
  • The battery will last you for up to 12 hours giving you plenty of usage time.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Celeron N4000
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: Acer
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • You can back up your files online.
  • The design is sleek and modern with a matte finish.
  • Numerical keyboard for easy use.
  • There are multiple ports for external device connections.
  • Stay connected for longer with a strong Wi-Fi signal.

Cons

  • The outer chassis is not as nice as others in this range.
  • The unit is quite bulky to carry around.

8. Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook

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Can you combine a Chromebook, a ThinkPad, and a Yoga and end up with something functional? Absolutely. You get the Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga 11e Chromebook. This is arguably one of the best 11-inch Chromebooks on the market.

If that was not enough, you get all this from a laptop priced under 100-dollars.

Rugged casing

Chromebooks need to be mobile with you everywhere you go requiring a robust, dependable chassis.

The Lenovo ThinkPad has a thick and ruggedized casing that has passed testing for humidity, vibration, and shock. The lid comes lined with rubber bumpers that will absorb accidental impact.

Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook

MicroUSB

Most notebooks come fitted with proprietary AC adapters. The Lenovo Thinkpad has a MicroUSB port that is functional for charging and file transfers.

It also includes most of the other physical ports that are easily accessible and uncrowded. The right panel displays the Power button, Volume control, and the USB 3.0 port.

Touchpad

The center of the keyboard console has a matte touchpad that exhibits smooth glide and is very responsive.

The clicks feedback and travel allow two-finger scrolling and add a level of class to this laptop. The pinch-to-zoom function is on the touchscreen. Well, even if you’ll compare this laptop with some top-notch touchscreen laptops then too, you won’t find much difference in experience.

Key Features
  • There is a single system fan that is adjacent to the ventilation grills. This allows for cooling on the rear of the unit.
  • The IPS panel provides good viewing angles.
  • IPS touchscreen with sufficient resolution and clean, colorful text and images.
  • The screen comes protected by a scratch and crack-resistant Dragontail glass.
  • 360-degree hinge converts the laptop to a tablet should you wish to go mobile.
  • The keyboard is functional and easy to use, making typing a breeze.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Quad Core Celeron N3450
  • Operating System: Google Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: Lenovo
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768 HD
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • Rubber bumpers that protect the outer edges.
  • The touchscreen makes accessing apps user-friendly and easy to access.
  • This laptop is Bluetooth 4.0 enabled.
  • The Lenovo Thinkpad comes with a one-year warranty.
  • The Thinkpad comes fitted with a built-in webcam for conference calls and video chats.

Cons

  • The keyboard lacks NumPad that makes data input on Excel difficult.
  • The iconic TrackPoint feature is not present in the model.
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9. Acer Aspire One 14-inch Laptop N3050

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With tablets taking over the scene, it is difficult to find a decent cheap laptop for sale under 100 dollars. There is hope yet with the Aspire One Laptop.

The N3050 is a Windows 10 fully-featured laptop with a decent screen that will relieve your eyes from squinting just to read the page.

Professional Design

The Aspire One is sleek with a stylish profile that is a textured black chassis. This laptop is light and slim.

The only color change is the white keyboard font and the silver Acer logo on the front. Weighing in at a mere 3.3 pounds, the Aspire is light and maneuverable.

Acer Aspire One 14-inch Laptop N3050

Connectivity

Several ports allow flexibility of use with this laptop. On the left, there is an SD card slot, a USB 3.0 port, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port finished off with a Kensington lock.

Flanking the right is the mic jack, two more USB ports and LED light indicators for battery and power display, and finally, the power jack.

Software

Installed with Windows 10 Home, you can access Acer documents and product registration making it easier to register the laptop for updates and warranty purposes.

There is also an array of games for children or adults who need to take a break. Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, and pre-installed favorites like Netflix are available.

Key Features
  • There is a built-in webcam that makes video calls fun and easy.
  • Battery life is up to 6 hours when working to keep you going all day.
  • The keyboard has full-sized arrow keys for ease of use.
  • Stylish design for modern professionals.
  • Port selection is good with more options than some others in this price range.
  • 1080p display on the screen for good quality viewing.
  • The Trackpad is very responsive and easy to use.

Product Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel 1.6 GHz Celeron N3050
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Manufacturer: Acer
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros

  • The 14-inch screen has native resolution with decent brightness and a 1080p display.
  • The keyboard offers good tactile feedback with a 1.2mm key travel.
  • The N3050 comes pre-installed with games and popular programs.
  • The device comes with a one-year limited warranty.
  • There is no need to use a mouse if you are a fay with using a trackpad. This one is very responsive.

Cons

  • The memory card reader works relatively slowly.
  • This laptop features a TN panel which makes for narrow viewing.
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10. Acer C720 Chromebook – Freshly Picked Up Refurbished Laptop Under $100

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What’s harder than finding a decent laptop below the price of $100? People looking for laptops below this price usually are looking for a device to efficiently perform basic activities. Acer C720 Chromebook comes with good features to carry out normal tasks in an efficient manner.

Decent performance

The laptop comes with Intel Celeron 1.40GHz Dual-Core Processor to deliver pretty decent performance for typing, watching videos, viewing files, and browsing the internet. It uses Chrome operating system, which is best known for friendly browsing and security. Though the Chromebook is small, expect a powerful performance from the Intel processor that is super-efficient for normal tasks.

Easy portability

The Chromebook weighs about 2.76 pounds only. The lightweight feature enables easy portability from one room to another room. If you are a frequent traveler or need to carry your laptop every day for personal or work-related purposes, then the Chromebook is a great choice as you won’t feel the strain of carrying it inside your backpack.

Ports & Battery life

This small but powerful laptop comes with about 7 to 8 hours of battery life. With this battery life, you can carry out your daily activities without interruption. You don’t have to worry about plug points while traveling. The Chromebook comes with a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port to help you transfer data fast.

Key Features
  • Comes with an 11.6-inch screen size and decent visual clarity
  • Chromebook has a memory of 2 GB RAM and 16 GB SSD storage space
  • Has a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port for data transfers
  • Battery life of about 8 hours to help you carry out your tasks smoothly
  • Uses Intel Celeron 1.40GHz Dual-Core Processor for good performance
  • Small and compact with lightweight promotes portability

Specifications

  • CPU: Intel Celeron 1.40GHz Dual Core Processor
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: Acer
  • Battery life: 7 to 8 hours
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM and 16 GB SSD storage

Pros

  • Decent battery life for smooth running
  • Uses Intel Celeron Processor for a power-packed performance
  • Thin and lightweight design with good durability
  • Has USB 2.0 & 3.0 ports for data transfer
  • Decent features at an affordable price
  • Has a web camera for video conferencing or online meetings

Cons

  • No optical drive
  • Less RAM
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11. HP ChromeBook 11 G4 EE

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There practically aren’t any good brand-new laptops that you can buy in the $100 (and below) price point. However, if you are ok with getting hold of renewed products from Amazon, we would strongly recommend checking out the HP Chromebook 11 G4 EE, which is one of the best laptops under $100, especially if you are looking for a Chromebook! This is simply the perfect product for you if you are looking forward to getting all your basic tasks and communications in place. The ‘EE’ in the laptop’s name means ‘Education Edition’.

Specifications: CPU/GPU/RAM/Storage

First up, the CPU isn’t really impressive, but you can’t expect much from a laptop priced in at such a low price point. It makes use of Intel’s Celeron N2840 processor. This allows you to work on all your documents, sheets, and presentations, as well as perform all your basic video conferences, browse social media and check mails. Given that this is a Chromebook, you won’t really be able to run power-packed software or power-intensive games on it anyway. The laptop makes use of a built-in graphics coprocessor from Intel. 

There’s 4GB RAM on the device, along with an eMMC SSD storage of 16GB. However, you can insert MicroSD cards in the laptop, or make use of external storage devices to expand the storage. The built-in storage is a little on the lower side, but given that this is a laptop for extremely basic tasks, you probably won’t need more storage in any case, especially if you’re someone who is dependent upon cloud-based storage. 

Design and Display

Design-wise, there’s nothing extraordinary about this laptop from HP. It offers a rather tough design and is pretty durable. It features a black-colored plastic body that doesn’t really stand out. The bezels on the screen are rather thick compared to what we see in most modern-day laptops. However, given the price point, you really can’t ask for too much here so let’s move forward. The keyboard features pretty large and broad keys which is comfortable for typing. 

The laptop makes use of an 11.6 in diagonal HD WLED anti-glare Flat SVA (1366 x 768) screen, which is pretty good for indoor as well as outdoor usage. Anti-glare tech makes sure that you can watch what’s on your screen even in bright sunlight or brightly-lit indoor conditions. As a device meant for education/communication purposes, it offers just about the basics of everything that you’d need. 

Battery Life, Connectivity, OS and Other Features

At its best, the laptop can offer you a battery life of about 9 hours and 40 minutes as per HP. However, given it is a renewed product, you can expect it to last anywhere between 6 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours. Amazon ensures that the battery life of renewed products works at least at 80% of the original capacity. The laptop comes with a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, and HDMI v 1.4b port, and a multi-format digital media card reader – giving you quite a few connectivity options. It runs on the Chrome OS. 

Summing up, this laptop from HP is a great pick if you are a student and is indeed one of the best laptops under $100 for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much. This offers you just the perfect specifications for getting all the basics right. The laptop also has an impressive battery life, which is the cherry on top here. 

Key Features:

  • 11.6 inch HD WLED anti-glare Flat SVA  display 
  • 4GB RAM + 16GB built-in storage
  • Battery life up to 9 hours and 40 minutes 
  • Renewed product from Amazon 

Specifications:

  • CPU: Intel Celeron N2840 2.16GHz
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
  • Manufacturer: HP
  • Resolution: 1366×768
  • Webcam Installed: Yes

Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • Great laptop for students who want to use it for online classes and project work 
  • Lightweight and portable  
  • Well designed keyboard for long hours of typing
  • Runs on the Chrome OS – gives access to Android apps 
  • Priced under $100; inexpensive laptop 

Cons

  • Can’t really run power intensive games and apps 
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Some amazing secondary features not to overlook

  • External Ports

Most laptops come fitted with some external ports. It is nice to have more than one USB port dedicated to charging the device.

An SD Card Reader is also valuable as it provides additional storage capacity. With all the laptops under the 100-dollar price range, we have reviewed, having a mic jack for headphones is also a bonus.

The mic jack will allow you to have conference and video chats without external noise interference.

  • Reflection Reduction

The screen’s capabilities are important, especially when it comes to the color and pixels of the images it takes. So too is the glare that affects your ability to see what is happening on screen.

Reflection reduction will improve your visibility when working both indoors and outdoors and allow you hassle-free usage.

  • Trackpads

When working on the go, you want to be able to come and go. You don’t want a massive bag stuffed with all your device’s accessories.

Trackpads make all the difference. Working in place of a mouse Trackpad enables you all the functionality that you would ordinarily get with less hassle and baggage.

  • Tablet Capability

When your laptop can convert into a tablet, you know that technology is winning and so are you. Being able to rotate your screen allows you more flexibility and, it also looks cool.

Not all laptops can rotate their screens. If you can find one that’s in this price bracket, you should add it to your device collection.

How do you select the best laptop?

  • Operating System

When you buy a new laptop, you need to make sure that the operating system does what you need to do. This will determine your working capabilities and environment.

Some popular operating systems in the laptops that we have looked at are Windows which is ideal for work and study and, Chrome OS which is more of an app-compliant system.

Both have different capabilities, and you need to do some research to make sure that the OS matches your needs.

  • Screen Size

Screen size may seem like an obvious choice but, the screen is essential to your needs. If you are looking for a laptop to do light work on and browse or watch videos, a smaller screen is suitable.

For more intense needs, you may want to consider a larger screen. Keep in mind that this will make the laptop itself bulkier and less mobile.

  • Battery Life

Battery life is the most important feature when buying a new laptop. The longer your battery can last without a power supply, the more flexible your working capacity will be.

Some newer ranges can last up to 12 hours under minimal pressure, and this benefits you as you do not have to worry about plugging in after only a few hours of working.

  • Specs

The CPU or processor is the brain of any laptop and controls all calculations and activity. To determine how good the processor is, look at the clock speed shown in gigahertz.

Another important spec is RAM which is what controls how much thinking the laptop can do. More RAM means more browser tabs can be open simultaneously, and more apps can run together.

The graphics processor is for gaming and videos. Look at what GPU comes installed if you are buying with graphics in mind.

Maintenance tips for your laptop

  • Padding

We have all dropped our laptops or bumped them in some way. If you are the on-the-go type, you travel quite a bit with your machine. Packing it into a padded laptop bag will protect it from all that movement and even if you drop it.

There are different kinds of bags with various levels of protection ranging from simple to high levels of armor.

  • Scrambled Cords

Keeping your cables in order is not something we tend to do often but, it is something that we should be taking care of. Messy cables are at risk of being nicked or even developing kinks that damage the wiring inside.

Here are some helpful organization tips:

  • Color coding your cable will organize them to know what goes where and they do not get tangled.
  • Cable Clips can be attached to your desk, wall, or floor to secure all your cables and keep them there.
  • An organizer panel will keep all your cables in place on the side of your desk and avoid crimping.
  • Overcharging

Optimizing your battery power is essential to your laptop’s longevity. It is important to switch off your device when it is not in use and avoids overcharging it.

Overcharging your laptop can lead to regenerative capability deterioration, which means the machine will no longer hold its charge.

It is advisable that you charge your laptop to 100% and then unplug it and allow it to run flat or close to flat before you recharge it again.

FAQS

1. Are pre-owned laptops reliable?

Instead of throwing an old device out, some people choose to sell it and then replace it. Buying a pre-owner laptop through Amazon is perfectly safe as they are all checked over and cleaned up.

Buying a pre-owned laptop is perfectly safe and will save you some money. All the settings will be reset to original factory settings and, the machine will perform like new.

2. Will a laptop priced at a hundred dollars be a quality buy?

Although the basic functionality of the laptop will be on par with most other, traditionally cheaper laptops compromise on apps and gaming capacity.

If all you are after is writing documents, browsing, and watching videos, then a cheaper model will more than suffice.

3. Do laptops come in different colors?

Pre-owned laptops traditionally come in standard black or silver. Most low-end laptops have the same color range. Some allow you more flexibility in terms of color but not often.

If you are looking to spice up the casing of your laptop you can investigate purchasing colored cases. Here you will get an array of colors and designs to suit your personality.

4. How do features affect the price of my laptop?

The price of your new laptop boils down to the core functions that the machine offers. Here, you need to look at the power behind the core processor. Can it accommodate more complex programs?

Memory is also vital because it works hand in hand with the functionality of the processor and provides storage and faster-thinking capabilities. More memory means more expensive.

Different operating systems support various functions. The more complex the application, the pricier the laptop will be.

5. Is my laptop compatible with a monitor?

Should you wish to plug your laptop into a monitor, you need to purchase an HDMI cable that will connect the two. Check the ports on the machine to make sure it has this capability as well.

Many of the laptops discussed here have smaller screens. Plugging them into a monitor is the perfect solution to enhancing your viewing capabilities.

6. Should I Buy a Refurbished or Second-Hand Laptop under $100 budget?

If you’re planning to buy worth to have a laptop then we’d say NO. Yeah, avoid falling into such traps where they market their useless laptops with some cheap tactics. And yeah, we’d also suggest you open up your budget range a bit and go for a good laptop that works.

7. Who is a sub-$100 laptop really for?

A laptop priced under $100 is actually good for those who are either in need of a backup device, just to make sure that their work keeps flowing. It can also be good for students, who are looking forward to just getting a basic device to browse, take notes and do some assignments on. These laptops also work out well for schools who wish to provide their students with a laptop for online classes. Lastly, if you are looking to give your young kids a laptop to familiarize themselves with computers, you might just want to start off with an inexpensive device. 

8. Can I play games on a laptop under $100? 

Technically speaking, the answer to ‘can you’ is ‘yes you can’. But the real question lies between the lines – should you play games on these laptops? We’d strongly recommend that you do not use these laptops for gaming because most laptops that are priced so low are generally using cheaper products for heat dissipation as that is one of the first things that manufacturers consider ignoring. Besides, a laptop under $100 won’t really have a lot of memory or a powerful CPU/GPU, so gaming is actively discouraged on these devices. 

9. Where can I buy the best laptops under $100? 

The best place to get hold of laptops under $100 is Amazon. While chances are low that you will find a new laptop priced under $100, you can certainly get hold of some of the best renewed and refurbished devices that work really well. In our list above, we have listed some of the best options that you have at this price point – and we have also connected them with their Amazon web pages so that you can buy them in just a couple of clicks. It is safer to buy renewed devices from Amazon which performs quality checks upon these devices rather than getting it from someone you don’t really know. 

10. Can I get a 2-in-1 laptop under $100?

Yes, you can get hold of a 2-in-1 laptop under $100 – but it will most likely be a renewed/refurbished product on Amazon. However, there is a chance that you can get a tablet along with a bluetooth keyboard at that price, which sort of acts like a 2-in-1 while not actually being a 2-in-1 laptop. However, unless you really want to use it for tasks that require minimal processing power, or use it as a backup device, you might want to go for better products. You can check out some of the best 2-in-1 laptops under $200 here.

Final Words

It is essential to match your laptop with your needs. We looked at the best 100 dollar laptops that you can find. Some are new and some pre-owned but all of them are fully capable.

When shopping in this range, you need to make sure that you find a laptop that provides the functionality you need.

For us, the winner is the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible laptop. For starters, you can flip the screen around and work at any angle you like. You can use the Chromebook as if it were a tablet. That alone makes it the best under 100-dollar laptop purchase.

Besides the screen flip, the Acer is touch screen enabled and has an extended battery life of up to 10 hours. You can also rest assured that your data will be safe from malware and attacks with built-in virus protection.

Added to this is the Wi-Fi functionality that provides a consistent signal throughout. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible laptop is in a class of its own and makes sure that you are too.

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