12 best laptops under $ 30,000

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Top models of laptops from well-known manufacturers and flagship novelties always attract a lot of attention and deservedly receive high marks from specialists and ordinary users. But nevertheless, solid “middle peasants” who cope with most of the tasks and cost reasonable money are still in massive demand. In today's issue, the editors present you a special rating of the best laptop models no more than 30,000 rubles. We'll look at four selections – the cheapest laptops, solid-state models, laptops with the best configuration-to-value ratio, and super-compact and lightweight ultrabooks.

Rating of the best laptops up to 30,000 rubles

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best laptops at the lowest price	1	Prestigio SmartBook 133S	RUB 13 198
	2	Acer ASPIRE ES1-531-C18L	RUB 15,990
	3	HP Notebook 15-rb005ur	RUB 21,829
	4	Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15 Intel	RUB 20 886
Best laptops under $ 300 with SSD drive	1	Lenovo V130-15 (81HL0038RA) Iron Gray	RUB 17,067
	2	ASUS X407UA	RUB 34,990
	3	Acer TravelMate P2 (P259-MG-37U2)	RUB 29 260
The best laptops under 30,000 rubles in terms of price-performance ratio	1	Lenovo V310 15	RUB 23 691
	2	HP 17-ca0008ur	RUB 29,511
Best compact laptops under $ 1,000	1	HP Stream 11-y011ur	RUB 19,900
	2	DELL INSPIRON 3180	RUB 21,690
	3	Digma CITI E210	11 461 rub.

The best laptops at the lowest price

The first selection of laptops in the review is the models that you can buy with a very modest budget. The need for such a purchase arises not so rarely. The reason may be urgency (a sudden trip, failure or loss of an existing laptop) or reasonable expediency – solving simple problems, temporary use in travel, for study by a high school student. The presented configurations are minimal, and if desired, their capabilities can be expanded to varying degrees.

Prestigio SmartBook 133S

Rating: 4.7

The first model in this collection is a laptop manufactured by the relatively young technology company Prestigio, which is part of the ASBIS holding. The company produces high-quality electronics in the lower and middle price segments.

The system of notebooks of this series is based on the Celeron processor on two Apollo Lake cores with a frequency of 1100 MHz. The nominal amount of installed RAM is 4 GB of DDR type with a frequency of 1866 MHz. Video subsystem – built-in Intel GMA HD. The internal memory can be a digital eMMC module with a capacity of 32 GB or an SSD of the same size with an M.2 interface.

The screen size of this model in diagonal is 13.3 inches. The matrix is ​​unexpectedly high-quality, as for such a budget laptop – IPS FullHD 1920×1080. The surface of the screen is matte.

The set of interfaces includes two USB 3.0 Type A, HDMI, Combo-interface for audio, wireless modules Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11n, a microSD card reader. Autonomous operation of the laptop is provided by a 5000 mAh lithium-ion battery.

Laptop dimensions – 318x214x13.8mm, net weight – 1.39 kg. Four body shades are available – brown, gray, blue, black. In the described configuration, the cost of a laptop at different points of sale is about 13 thousand rubles as of the beginning of 2019.

Advantages

• IPS matrix;
• FullHD resolution;
• capacious battery;
• speed of work;
• metal case;
• different body colors.

disadvantages

• no wired network card.

Acer ASPIRE ES1-531-C18L

Rating: 4.6

The second budget model in our rating is on average slightly more expensive than the first one, but it has important configuration differences and is focused on a wider range of tasks, except for the most elementary ones.

First, about the fundamental differences. This model is equipped with a 500GB mechanical hard disk drive with a spindle speed of 5400 rpm. There is also such an 'anachronism' as an internal optical drive. Despite the fact that this technology is becoming more and more clearly a thing of the past every year, there is a fairly wide range of tasks where you cannot do without DVD. Finally, unlike the above model, the screen is extremely minimalistic – an inexpensive TN-matrix with a resolution of 1366×768 and a screen size of 15.6 inches.

Celeron N3050 series on two Braswell cores with 1600 MHz frequency is used as a central processor in this model. RAM 4GB, type – DDR3L, frequency – 1600 MHz. Video subsystem – integrated Intel GMA HD.

The set of interfaces includes two USB 2.0 and one 3.0 ports; HDMI; RJ-45 from a gigabit network card; combined audio interface for headphone and microphone; Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless radios. There is also a slot for external SD cards.

This laptop is noticeably larger and heavier than the previous one due to the use of a mechanical hard disk and an optical drive: 381.6x258x26.1 mm, net weight – 2.4 kg. The battery is noticeably weaker than the previous model – a lithium-ion with a capacity of 3220 mAh, so the autonomy of this model is not a record, but quite acceptable.

Advantages

• the presence of an optical drive (in this case we consider it an advantage);
• sufficient performance taking into account the minimum cost;
• reliability;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• no pronounced disadvantages were noted.

HP Notebook 15-rb005ur

Rating: 4.5

The third model in the ranking of the best budget laptops in terms of its capabilities and price is almost exactly equal to the previous solution with the only difference that this laptop will appeal to the 'ideological' fans of processors and other microelectronics of a direct competitor Intel – the company AMD.

The screen size of this model is 15.6 inches, the matrix resolution is 1366×768. The surface of the screen is matte. Processor – AMD E2 9000E on two Stoney Ridge cores with a frequency of 1500 MHz. RAM 4GB, type – DDR4, frequency – 1866 MHz. Integrated video subsystem AMD Radeon R2. Data storage subsystem – mechanical HDD with a capacity of 500 GB with a spindle rotation of 5400 rpm. There is no optical drive. There is a card reader for external memory SD, SDHC, SDXC.

The following interfaces are used to connect peripherals and networks: one USB 2.0 connector, two USB 3.1 Type A connectors, HDMI, Combo-interface for audio, RJ-45 from a gigabit network card; wireless modules Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11n.

Autonomous operation of the device is provided by a 31 Wh lithium-ion battery (3 cells). The estimated battery life of the laptop on a full charge is up to 11 hours. Full charge time from scratch is 1.5 hours.

The dimensions of the laptop case are 380×253.8×23.8mm, the net weight is 2.1 kg.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• reliability;
• convenient HP-assistant for finding and installing new drivers;
• fast charging;
• good autonomy.

disadvantages

• compared to the platform Intel, other things being equal, performance is lower

Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15 Intel

Rating: 4.5

The selection of the rating of the most budget notebooks is completed by the model produced by the company Lenovo, which is closely associated with high-quality and inexpensive electronics among the mass consumer. Within the IdeaPad 320 series, the manufacturer collects dozens of modifications, which cost very differently. We will consider one of the most affordable option.

The system is built on the basis of a processor Intel Celeron N3350 on two Apollo Lake cores with a frequency of 1100 MHz. RAM – 4GB. Video subsystem – integrated into the processor – Intel HD Graphics 500. For data storage – a 500 GB mechanical HDD. There is an optical DVD-RW drive.

The screen size of this model is 15.6 inches, the matrix resolution is 1366×768, the screen surface is matte.

For communication with peripheral devices and networks, the following set of interfaces is offered: two USB 3.0 Type A connectors, one USB 3.0 Type-C, HDMI, a combined audio interface for headphones and a microphone, an RJ-45 network card connector; wireless modules Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1. There is a card reader for SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards.

The estimated average battery life with this configuration is around 5 hours.

Laptop dimensions – 378x260x22.9 mm, net weight – 2.2 kg.

Advantages

• almost silent in simple tasks;
• extended set of interfaces;
• optical drive;
• comfortable keyboard with pleasant key travel.

disadvantages

• difficulties with drivers for Windows 7, under Windows 10 no problems.

Best laptops under $ 300 with SSD drive

The second selection of laptops in our ranking is aimed at those buyers for whom the speed of a laptop is much more important than the capacity of the storage subsystem. We are going to take a look at three models with high-speed SSD solid state drives that are available in the market today at relatively low prices.

Lenovo V130-15 (81HL0038RA) Iron Gray

Rating: 4.9

The first in this group is a laptop of production Lenovo with the maximum configuration, the total cost of which 'fits' within the limit of 30,000 rubles.

The electronics of this model is built around the processor Intel Core i3 6006U on two Skylake-U cores with a frequency of 2000 MHz. RAM – 4 GB DDR4 type with a frequency of 2133 MHz. Graphics subsystem – integrated Intel HD Graphics 520. And the most important thing in this group is a 128 GB SSD solid state drive. An internal optical DVD-RW drive is also included.

The screen size in this case is 15.6 inches. The TN matrix has a resolution of 1366×768. The surface of the screen is matte. It should be added that various configurations of this series allow you to install a matrix of a different type and higher resolution, but this automatically means a noticeable rise in price. But, just in case, it is worth remembering that there is such an opportunity.

The set of interfaces includes two USB 3.0 connectors (as an option – one 3.0 and 2.0 ports), HDMI, a combined interface for audio, a Gigabit RJ-45 network card connector; wireless modules Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi supporting 802.11ac and 802.11b standards. There is a module for reading external memory cards SD, SDHC, SDXC.

This model can be equipped with a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery – this does not significantly affect the cost. Capacity – 30 Wh. The estimated battery life of the laptop on a full charge is up to 6 hours.

Notable features of this notebook series Lenovo: Enhanced security and privacy with TPM 2.0 Trusted Platform Module; protective shutter on the camera; the hinge stroke allows you to open the cover with the screen 180 degrees.

Laptop dimensions – 375x253x22.3 mm, net weight – 1.8 kg.

Advantages

• high speed of work;
• a great resource for upgrades and modifications;
• increased data security and privacy;
• compactness, light weight.

disadvantages

• no pronounced shortcomings were noted.

ASUS X407UA

Rating: 4.8

The second number in this group of our rating is a laptop manufactured by the world famous company ASUS. The X407UA series includes many configuration options, but as in the case of the above model, we will consider the maximum configuration no more than 30,000 rubles. In this case, our experts highly appreciated this model for twice the size of the SSD, combined with characteristics that are not lower or even higher than the previous solution.

The screen size is slightly smaller here – 14 inches diagonally, but the matrix resolution is fundamentally higher – FullHD 1920×1080, type – TN. The surface of the screen is matte.

The processor here is of the same class as that of the above-described variant – production Core i3 Intel, but a different series – 7100U, faster and with different cores – two Kaby Lakes at 2400 MHz. The RAM is installed 4GB of DDR4 specification at a frequency of 2400MHz, a two-fold upgrade to 8GB is technically allowed, however, when planning such an improvement, you need to remember that there is no special place to “roam” here, since the developers have provided for a single slot. Subsystem for graphics processing – contained in the processor logical module Intel HD Graphics 620. Data storage – high-speed electronic SSD 256GB. No optical disc player.

You can connect a laptop to external devices through the following interfaces: USB connectors of generations 2.0 and 3.0, HDMI, combined audio jack, functional blocks of data transfer using technologies Bluetooth of generation 4.0 and 'Wi-Fi' specifications 802.11ac / b . There is a fingerprint authorization module.

In this series, by definition, there is no network card capable of connecting a laptop to an internal computer network or to the Internet via a twisted pair cable. A significant percentage of users note this fact with regret.

The independent operation of the device is supported by a three-component lithium-ion or, alternatively, a lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 33 Wh. According to the impressions of real buyers, the average battery life with a full charge is about 5 hours. The type of battery does not significantly affect the final price of the selected configuration.

Laptop dimensions – 328x246x21.9 mm, net weight – 1.5 kg.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• increased volume of SSD;
• detailing the matrix;
• high speed of work;
• good autonomy.

disadvantages

• no wired network card.

Acer TravelMate P2 (P259-MG-37U2)

Rating: 4.8

Rounding out the list of the most successful notebooks with solid-state drives is the production model Acer of the popular TravelMate P2 series. Within the framework of this series, a variety of configurations are released, but our experts have selected the maximum for you, which can be bought for no more than 30 thousand rubles. At the same time, the reserve for an upgrade for this modification is very significant.

The physical dimensions of the laptop are 381.6x259x30.2mm, the weight of the device without packaging is 2.4kg. The screen has a diagonal of 15.6 ”, it is equipped with a high-quality TN-matrix with full FullHD 1920×1080 detail. The discrete video subsystem NVIDIA GeForce 940M (or MX) with DDR-3 2GB memory is perfectly combined with such a screen. This is the only laptop listed up to this point with a dedicated graphics subsystem, and not integrated into the processor. This does not make the laptop a gaming one, but its capabilities in terms of processing complex and weighty graphics are incomparably higher.

This set of components uses a Core i3 6006U series Intel on 2 cores of the Skylake family (or with the U prefix in the nomenclature) with a frequency of 2000 MHz. A very good memory from a technological point of view is installed – DDR4 with a frequency of 2133 MHz, and the volume is also quite decent for solving most of ordinary tasks – 4GB. We also see here a serious lead over other laptops in the review in terms of memory upgrade possibilities – as much as 32GB. Hard Drive – 128GB SSD M.2 / Serial ATA.

This model has a significantly expanded set of interfaces for interacting with all kinds of external devices and other gadgets in networks: one USB 2.0 and two 3.0, USB 3.1 Type-C, HDMI, VGA (D-Sub), combined audio jack, built-in wired connector network card. Card reader for external memory of compact standards SD, SDHC and SDXC. For a wireless connection, Wi-Fi data transmission modules of the 802.11a / ac / b and Bluetooth 4.0 specifications are used.

The independent operation of the device is ensured by a 2.8 Ah battery (lithium-ion principle, 4 cells).

Advantages

• an impressive margin for improvement;
• high performance;
• screen resolution;
• metal cover of the panel;
• nice design;
• discrete graphics card with 2GB of memory.

disadvantages

• too dense arrangement of USB 3.0 connectors.

The best laptops under 30,000 rubles in terms of price-performance ratio

Now, within the framework of the rating of the most successful laptop models at a price of up to 30,000 rubles, we will analyze the characteristics of two models, which our experts have identified in the rating for important functional advantages. The first model has an optimal organization of the data storage subsystem, the second has a large screen.

Lenovo V310 15

Rating: 4.9

For the third time in our review, we turn to the range of laptops famous for its inexpensive electronics brand Lenovo. Among the modifications of the V310 series, there are several configurations of laptops where a pair of hard drives is installed – a solid-state one with a smaller volume for the operating system and a mechanical one with a larger volume for data storage. Our experts have selected an option that can be purchased for no more than 30,000 rubles.

Laptop dimensions – 380x262x22.9 mm, weight without packaging – 1.85 kg. The screen size is 15.6 inches, the matrix has a resolution of 1366×768, the surface is matte.

The developers 'assigned' Intel a Core i3 6006U series on two Skylake-U cores with a frequency of 2000 MHz as the central processor for this model. RAM – 4GB DDR4 type with potential for expansion up to 16GB. Video subsystem – only processor-integrated Intel HD Graphics 520. Storage subsystem – leading 128GB solid state SSD and 500GB mechanical HDD. There is also an internal DVD-RW.

Interfaces for peripherals and networks: one USB 2.0, two USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA (D-Sub), combined audio interface for headphones / microphone, RJ-45 from a wired network card; wireless modules Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. There is a card reader compatible with SD, SDHC and SDXC.

The nominal battery life with a full charge is about 6 hours. Some configurations are equipped with an additional battery that increases autonomy up to 12 hours.

Advantages

• a pair of hard drives SSD + HDD;
• speed of work;
• high-quality assembly;
• there is an optical drive;
• 'expensive' design;
• comfortable keyboard;
• many interfaces.

disadvantages

• problems with drivers during installation Windows 7.

HP 17-ca0008ur

Rating: 4.8

The second model in this mini-selection of the rating is interesting in that it is a laptop with the largest screen in the entire review in the stated price category. Our experts also selected the rest of the technical characteristics to the maximum, taking into account the price limit set by the topic of the review.

So, the screen size of this model is 17.3 inches, and the matrix equipment allows two variations – 1366×768 or 1600×900 type SVA. None of the other options make the final configuration outside the price range established by the review.

The central processor is AMD A9 9425 with a frequency of 3100 MHz on two or four Stoney Ridge cores. Expanded RAM – 8GB DDR4 specification @ 1866 MHz. Video subsystem – integrated AMD Radeon R5. Subsystem for data storage – 1TB mechanical HDD. There is an internal DVD-RW drive.

A set of interfaces for networks and peripherals: one USB 2.0, two USB 3.1 Type A, HDMI, combined audio interface, RJ-45 from a gigabit network card; wireless modules Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi standards 802.11b and 802.11n.

The original 3-cell 41 Wh Li-Ion battery provides up to 9 hours of battery life on a full charge.

Device dimensions – 414.8×272.2×24.5 mm, weight without packaging – 2.51 kg.

Advantages

• large screen;
• terabyte hard drive;
• 8GB of RAM;
• high-speed performance;
• price-performance ratio;
• DVD-RW drive.

disadvantages

• point user comments of a subjective nature.

Best compact laptops under $ 1,000

And the final selection of laptops in our rating is thin and light devices of the minimum size. Such parameters automatically imply a very miniature screen, but it is these solutions that become the most appropriate and convenient for solving many work and educational tasks. The high demand for such models directly confirms the widest market supply.

HP Stream 11-y011ur

Rating: 4.8

First, consider the most expensive model in the group, the average cost of which is still well below 30,000 rubles. In terms of technical characteristics, this miniature device is in no way inferior to the above-described budget models in the first selection.

Laptop dimensions – 300×205.7×18 mm, weight without packaging – 1.17 kg. It is offered in the original body color – blue or blue. The diagonal screen size is 11.6 inches. Matrix type – SVA, resolution – 1366×768.

The central processor here is the most powerful in the selection – a 2-core (Braswell) Celeron N3060 series with a frequency of 1600 MHz. 4GB of DDR3L RAM at 1600 MHz. Video subsystem – GMA HD or HD Graphics 400 from Intel. Data storage – 32GB eMMC electronic solid state module or SSD.

Interfaces: USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Type A, micro HDMI, combined audio interface, wireless modules Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. There is a card reader for reading MicroSD, microSDHC and microSDXC.

The rechargeable battery of two cells with a total capacity of 37.7 Wh provides autonomous operation up to 10.75 hours.

A feature of this model is the presence of the Trusted Platform Module, which provides an increased level of data privacy security.

Advantages

• performance;
• autonomy;
• enhanced data security and privacy (TPM).

disadvantages

• almost impossible to upgrade.

DELL INSPIRON 3180

Rating: 4.7

The second model in this selection of the rating is a miniature laptop manufactured by the American corporation DELL of the popular INSPIRON line.

The screen size is the same as in the model above – 11.6 inches and the matrix resolution is also 1366×768. The only difference is in the type of matrix – here it is TN.

The central processor in this laptop is almost similar to the solution described above and formally, in terms of nominal performance, even coincides with it – this is a 2-core AMD A6 series 9220e with a frequency of 1600 MHz. However, independent tests show that, all other things being equal, Celeron N3060 series still shows higher results. RAM here is 4GB DDR4 with a frequency of 1600 or 2400 MHz, depending on the specific modification. Video subsystem – AMD Radeon R4. Data storage – 32GB eMMC.

Peripheral interfaces are as follows: USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Type A, HDMI, standard combo headphone and microphone interface, wireless modules Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi standards 802.11b and 802.11n. There is a block for reading microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC memory cards.

Autonomous operation is provided by a 2-cell 32 Wh Li-Ion battery. According to reports from independent experts and ordinary users, even with significant loads, a full battery charge lasts for 6 hours of full laptop operation.

Mini-laptop dimensions – 292x196x20.8 mm, weight without packaging – 1.46 kg.

Advantages

• performance;
• build quality;
• replaceable SODIMM memory;
• autonomy.

disadvantages

• there are no indicators.

Digma CITI E210

Rating: 4.6

And the group of mini-laptops rating, as well as the entire today's review of the best laptops up to 30 thousand rubles, is completed by an interesting model of the Digma trademark. The brand is owned by Hong Kong-based Nippon Klick. Although not exactly a mainstream manufacturer, the CITI Digma series of notebooks has been so successful that it has been collecting the most positive reviews from real users for a long time.

The screen size, matrix resolution and its type completely coincide with the previous model – 11.6 inches, 1366×768, TN. The only difference is that in this case the screen surface is glossy.

The central processor here is significantly different in comparison with the other two – it is an Atom x5 on four Cherry Trail cores with a frequency of 1440 MHz. There is relatively little RAM – 2GB. Video subsystem – integrated Intel HD Graphics 400. Data storage – 32GB solid-state SSD.

Interfaces: USB 2.0, USB 3.0 Type A, HDMI, combo audio headphone and microphone. Wireless – Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0.

The battery has an impressive capacity of 7600 mAh, which allows it to work autonomously at full load for up to 10 hours or more, depending on the operating mode.

Laptop dimensions – 295x197x18mm, weight without packaging – 1.09 kg.

Advantages

• autonomy;
• speed of work;
• minimum weight;
• build quality;
• the most affordable price in the group.

disadvantages

• not everyone has enough RAM.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.