by EJ Young

Created on: November 09, 2010

Just in time for the 2010 holiday shopping season, the big names in laptops are competing to cash in on sales by dropping prices.  If you thought you couldn’t afford that high powered computer on your daughter’s wish list, check again.  There is a brand new list of the best laptops available at record low prices.

Combine the big shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with new price drops from name brand laptop manufacturers and it makes for great deals for shoppers.  It doesn’t matter what type of laptop is on your shopping list. You can find a solid bargain in today’s market.

Best Overall Laptop-Toshiba

National chain store Best Buy advertised a Toshiba laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor (SKU # 1443308), 4GB and a six hour battery for $449. Finding a Core i3 processor for under the $500 price mark is phenomenal.  This laptop has it all with built in webcam, 15.6 LCD screen, wireless technology and the typical features to delight any computer user. Even if this electronics giant made a special purchase or offers a limited supply, competitors will likely follow suit. 

If you aren’t lucky enough to get your hands on a Toshiba with an i3 at this unbelievable price,  you can find similar models from this well known company with the same CPU starting at $600.

Best Cheap Laptop-Acer AS5334-2737

If a person on your shopping list wants to e-mail, do word processing, explore the Internet and browse social networks, this Acer model has all the basics of a solid computer.  The Celeron processor won’t do for sophisticated users but in a price range of $329-$399 it is a great starter computer.  If you want to upgrade to a Pentium processor, go for the Acer AS7741Z-5731 for an extra $100.

Best Gaming Laptop-HP Pavilion DV7-4083

Big power means big bucks but gamers need the speed.  For that gamer on your list go with this HP Pavilion.  For just under a grand, it’s in the middle range of gaming laptops but it looks and feels like it is high end.

With an MTI mobile Radeon 5470 graphics card plus the built in graphics, the Pavilion offers gamers stunning detailed images for a great gaming experience. A Core i5 processor provides the power but the sleek aluminum design gives this laptop a great look.  It’s the perfect laptop for playing. The 17 inch screen makes the graphics jump out even more.

Best  Desktop Replacement Laptop- Asus K50IJ-X8

Asus uses their patented IceCool Technology combined with a hybrid engine and an Intel Core2 Duo Processor T6600 with 4 GB of DDR2 to give the power of a desktop computer. With a price tag around $600, this Asus laptop can take you mobile.  The sleek design of Asus boasts an LED HD 15.6 inch widescreen and a super multi-double layer DVD drive.

The best buy in laptops looks a little different to each buyer depending on the intended use.  People who travel frequently prefer a lightweight laptop.  Gamers need a powerful processor while photographers or hobbyists look for memory.  Laptops designed for business users often offer packages with preloaded applications. Screen size, graphics and battery life are other factors in determining the best laptop to buy for a gift.

It doesn’t matter what type of laptop is on your Christmas list. As prices drop and new features keep improving, you can find the best laptop for that special person without spending all of your shopping dollars.  

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