OK so you want to buy a new laptop but don't have much money to spare. How do you find one that works for you at the right price? This article has been put together so that you can buy cheap laptops with confidence and not waste money!

The biggest problem that we have is being blinded by a cheap price. When something is so cheap, we start to compromise and say "oh who needs a keyboard anyway" and such like. You could have spent hours trawling over the internet looking for cheap laptops and have finally found one for less than £200. It’s got no battery, no keyboard, doesn’t run with Windows and runs on coal but it is cheap so it must be a steal right? Probably more than you know. In order to get a cheap laptop you have to shop smart. Buying a laptop for half your budget and then spending triple that on additional components and software is not a deal so think about what you are buying.

One good way to overcome this is to write down a list of your essential items that you want from your laptop and refuse to compromise on them. If the laptop doesn’t have all the points on the list then move on. You may be tempted to compromise but don’t! This is where the costs start to add up so make sure you buy something with your list of essentials. The second thing to remember is to watch out for bundles. Online stores will offer you software at reduced rates when you buy this or that. If you don’t need the software then don’t be tempted! Also check the software as most of the time it is the basic package that needs a costly update in order for it to actually perform. Accessories are also a big money maker and you will be offered all sorts of extra bags, protectors etc for discounted prices. A half price laptop bag is still more expensive than no laptop bag at all!

Finally when buying a laptop, you should take into consideration the costs of delivery and extended warranties. If you are buying a non branded laptop then it can be worthwhile to buy an extended warranty. Take this into account of the final cost and compare with other deals. This may all sound like a lot of work but it really will save you a fortune on trips to your local computer store and in lost time because you bought the wrong product. If you are on a tight budget then monthly installments may be a good way to go to ensure that you get the right laptop for you even though it’s out of your budget but beware the final repayment price as this can be a lot higher than the original!