You have a lot of options when you are considering the laptop choices available at Amazon that cost less than $500. Because of the overwhelming number of choices, it is helpful to prioritize the features that are important to you, as it will allow you to get the computer with which you will be the happiest.
If you want an affordable laptop with a good processor and screen from a well-known manufacturer, then the Dell Inspiron i15N-1294BK 15-Inch Laptop (Obsidian Black) is likely to meet your needs. it will allow you to run all of the programs that you use everyday, like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Microsoft Office, and it has all of the ports that you will need to connect your assorted devices. You can even use the included HDMI port to view your laptop screen on your TV.
Click here for reviews from other Dell Inspiron i15N-1294BK owners.
Pros of the Dell Inspiron i15N-1294BK 15-Inch Laptop (Obsidian Black):
- Low price
- Intel i3 processor
- big, solid keyboard
- HDMI port
- HD screen
- Windows 7 Home Premium and Microsoft Office Starter 2010
- Wireless-N WiFi to easily connect to any wireless network
- webcam
See more pictures of the i15N-1294BK
Cons of the Dell Inspiron i15N-1294BK 15-Inch Laptop (Obsidian Black):
- Only 3 GB of RAM
- No Blu-Ray drive
- No backlit keyboard
One important element of this laptop to note is the inclusion of Microsoft Office Starter 2010. This is not a trial version of the software. You will receive ad-supported versions of Microsoft Word and Excel that are yours to use for the length of your ownership of the computer. This means that you can view, edit and create documents and spreadsheets without needing to also purchase Microsoft Office. If you intend to use those programs, this means that you are potentially saving at least $100.
This laptop is ideal for a student at school who needs something to write papers and take notes, but still wants a laptop on which they can store music, pictures and videos. You can easily connect your camera to this laptop, either with an included USB cable or by inserting the memory card into the memory card slot reader. Home users that are looking for a machine on which they can connect to the Internet and check emails will also appreciate the speed and portability of the Dell Inspiron i15N-1294BK, and they will be getting a computer that will last them for a while at a reasonable price.
Visit the Dell Inspiron i15N-1294BK 15-Inch Laptop (Obsidian Black) product page at Amazon to learn more.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
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