In our current roundup of retail-specific laptops, we've divided our 30-plus systems into four different price categories, from sub-$500 entry level models to high-end ones that cost more than $1,000.
In that budget level category, covering laptops between $500 and $699, we we found systems that in many cases offered only modest improvements from their slightly less expensive entry-levelcousins, leading us to crown Toshiba's
Two important notes -- on this particular page we're *only* talking about a handful of retail-specific models that cost between $500 and $699. For a roundup of retail laptops in all price ranges, check here; for our latest MacBook reviews, check here.
Check out details of each system below:
The good: Good keyboard and touch pad; decent 16x9 screen.
The bad: Worse-than-average AMD processor and battery life; no Bluetooth.
The bottom line: For $549, the HP Pavilion G60-445dx has a mediocre processor and performance in a package that's not much of a bargain.
The good: Long battery life; solid performance for the money; great-sounding speakers; HDMI out.
The bad: Glossy design is fingerprint magnet; slick keyboard; no Bluetooth.
The bottom line: Good components and a big battery push the Toshiba Satellite A505-S6960 in front of other retail budget laptops.
The good: Good speakers; decent screen for music/video playback.
The bad: Uncomfortable touch pad and keyboard; outdated processor.
The bottom line: Equipped with great speakers and a good screen but an inferior processor and keyboard, the Toshiba M505-S4940 just isn't a good enough buy for the money.
The good: Good speakers; decent all-around performance; included 3G antenna.
The bad: Uncomfortable touch pad and keyboard; no Bluetooth.
The bottom line: Positioned as an affordable design-conscious Core 2 Duo laptop for less than $700, Toshiba's Satellite M505-S4945 is better for media than it is for all-day office work.
The good: Attractive design; large LCD for the money; touch multimedia controls; great speakers.
The bad: Slow performance; short battery life.
The bottom line: The Toshiba Satellite P505D-S8930 is perfect if you need a large-screen portable computer, but you're not too much of a multitasker or in need of a long battery life.
Check out the rest of the 2009 Back-to-School retail laptop and desktop roundup here.
Discuss: Toshiba's Satellite A505-S6960: our back-to-school retail laptop roundup "budget" pick
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.