Whether you’re after an upgraded 13in or 15in Air, you can register your interest today. The hardware is expected to launch in the country on 15 March, which is in keeping with the trend of having this stuff turn up on a Friday. After all, pre-orders opened today. Availability a week later is typically Apple.

Drive a new M3

If you’re after the smaller of the two MacBook Air models, expect to pay at least R26,000 for the base model with 256GB of storage. There are few choices available if that’s the way you’re planning to go. An eight-core CPU/GPU and 8GB of system memory are standard at that point.

Opt for the 512GB model and you’ll nab an eight-core CPU/ten-core GPU and either 8GB (R31,000) or 16GB (R35,000) of system memory. That’s also typically Apple (in South Africa).

The 15in M3 MacBook Air starts at R30,500 for 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Scale up to 512GB of storage and expect to pay R35,000. Add a further 8GB of RAM for a 16GB total and your bill will be R40,000. All 15in M3 Air models ship with the eight-core CPU/ten-core GPU version of Apple’s speedy new processor.

If Central’s (unnamed) sources are correct, the OS King is hooking the world up with a new, kitted-out Surface Pro 10 later this month, joined by a new Surface Laptop 6. Both devices are expected to be unveiled as Microsoft’s “first AI PCs,” sporting AI features that are supposedly heading to Windows 11 later this year. The rumoured date being thrown around is 21 March, but they’ll probably take a little longer to arrive in South Africa (if they arrive at all).

Surface-level artificial upgrades

What makes these artificially intelligent, then? That’ll be Intel’s new Core Ultra chips or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite-based processors coupled with “next-gen NPUs” (neural processing units) — all aimed at making these far more powerful than their predecessors, especially in the realm of on-device AI. Windows Central reckons both devices will be sold in Intel and Arm variants.

In terms of efficiency and performance, Central’s sources believe these upgrades will put the Surface devices on the same level as Apple’s iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, far exceeding previous Surface iterations, though it didn’t mention specific models.

Read More: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review – Making laptops ever more nervous

The Surface Pro 10 won’t be getting a makeover in the looks department, repping a mightily similar design to the Surface Pro 9. It will, however, receive a new OLED display, an ultrawide front-facing webcam, NFC reading capabilities, and AI Studio effects built-in.

The Surface Laptop 6, on the other hand, will see a larger design departure from the Surface Laptop 5. That means a selection of ports worthy of 2024 (2x USB-C and a singular USB-A), a new haptic touchpad, a Copilot key, along with slimmed-down bezels and rounder corners. We’re guessing Microsoft is aiming to pull a Samsung and make minor changes — with AI capabilities being the main selling point.

Microsoft’s Marco Polo

As for what’ll set Microsoft’s “AI PCs” apart, it’ll be the AI features that ship with it. Onboard Copilot, real-time caption, live translations, frame rate smoothing and videogame upscaling, improved Windows Studio effects and the real kicker — “AI Explorer”.

AI Explorer is described as an “advanced Copilot”. It will have access to your PC’s documents, web pages, images and chats so users can search through their files using “natural language.”

“For example, you could type, “Find me that list of restaurants Jenna said she liked,” and Windows can bring up the exact conversation you were having when Jenna mentioned those restaurants. Even vague prompts should work, like “Find me that thing about dinosaurs,” Windows will pull up every word, phrase, image, and related topic about dinosaurs that you’ve previously opened on your computer,” Windows Central says.

Microsoft is expected to unveil its new Surface devices on 21 March 2024, though both are only meant to begin shipping in April and June. Intel models should get an earlier release, while Arm variants will have to wait slightly longer.

Source

The announcement happened via a release rather than a presentation, which is how you can tell that there’s not too much else going on with the Air range in this upgrade. There’s a new chipset and… that’s about it. That hasn’t stopped Apple from going on about its portable computer lineup’s Wonderful Features, of course.

Reupping the MacBook Air

Both the 13in and 15in MacBook Air range will see the M3 processor inside, with the corresponding jump in performance and price this presages. Apple claims a 60% speed boost over M1 notebooks but, as with the original M3 product announcement, hasn’t drawn any comparisons with its M2 hardware. Make of that information what you will.

All of the other M3 benefits apply. Programs will open fast, the battery will last longer, Excel spreadsheets and video editing will see improvements. Basically, you won’t be annoyed that you upgraded to an M3 Air. Except if you bought an M2 notebook last week because Apple is also offering a price drop on the previous generation in launch markets.

The M3 MacBook Air will step into the previous price bracket, at the same price in the US and 28 other markets. At the moment, South Africa doesn’t seem to be on that list. Since MacBook pricing isn’t exactly stable here at all, it’ll be difficult to tell if we benefit from a price drop when the M3 Air turns up in SA.

Considering the heavy marketing towards the country’s younger demographic, it makes sense that this thing is cheap. Or, let’s say, cheap for Acer. The company has organized a partnership with Game to sell the devices exclusively on the store’s shelves and through its online retail store. Don’t ask us why, we’re not marketers. Ask us something we do know, like the price, and you’ll be far happier. It starts at R6,000.

 Does anyone have a lite?

“A laptop is a serious investment that must balance performance, value and price,” says Lesego Bobbi Nyamane, Marketing Manager at Acer Africa. “Acer makes among the most powerful and specialised laptops on the market — we take that experience and distil it into a laptop that delivers real value and performance without cutting corners. The Acer Aspire Lite 14 shows that we are listening and designing our laptops to meet our customers’ expectations.”

There will be two models to choose from once they go on sale with the biggest disparity between the two being the processors lodged firmly inside them. The cheaper of the two costs R6,000 and comes packed with an Intel Processor N100 that appears to be a great contender when it comes to everyday tasks but could struggle when confronted with anything heavier. It’ll see you through a lecture and can probably handle Netflix as well. But probably not at the same time, we’ll have to see for ourselves if one ever shows up here.

Stretch that budget to R8,000 and you’ll be getting in with Intel’s Core i3-N300 — a slight upgrade with four extra E-cores, but not much else. It’ll handle a little more on its plate before it starts to complain.

Read More: Acer Nitro 16 review — The closest thing to ‘budget’ you’re likely to find

The only other difference between the two is the amount of storage at your disposal. Stick with the cheaper of the two, and you’ll get a 256GB PCIe SSD. That’s doubled in the other model. Everything else — from the 14in 16:10 WUXGA display to the “up to” 8GB of DDR5 RAM capabilities are identical. You’re really only paying for the extra processing power.

As for the rest, the 14 Lite sports an FHD webcam, Wi-FI 5, Bluetooth 5, a single 3.5mm headphone jack and all the other ports that make this thing worth using in 2024 — USB-C, HDMI, MicroSD, and DisplayPort.

The Acer Aspire Lite 14 will be launching next week exclusively in Game stores and through its website.

As we guide you through this setup, just a few things. Firstly, Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft for laptops and PCs. Not all laptops will come out of the box with Windows – If it’s labelled ‘Apple’, you’ll find something called MacOS and this guide will be of little help.

But if your new laptop bears any other brand, like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, or Lenovo to name a few, you’re in the right place.

Step 1: Preparing for setup

Before diving into the setup process, take some time to prepare. Here are a few crucial tasks to complete even before you hit that power button.

Back-up your data: Ensure that all your important files, documents, and settings are backed up from your old laptop or PC. You can use external hard drives, or cloud storage services like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. Just be sure to save all your important data before porting to a new machine.

Gather necessary accessories: Gather any bits and bobs you may need, like a mouse, keyboard, or external monitor. You may also have to charge up the battery on your new laptop straight out of the box, so go ahead and grab a multiplug and get it charged up.

Step 2: Initial setup and config

Once you’re ready, it’s time to set up your new Windows laptop. The next few steps are fairly straightforward, and the laptop will likely do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Power on and initial setup: Power on your laptop and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the Out of Box Experience. This includes selecting your language, region, and keyboard layout, and setting up user accounts.

Connect to Wi-Fi: You’ll have to ensure your laptop is connected to a Wi-Fi network to access online services and complete some of the setup tasks.

Pro tip: When you reach the account-setup stage, you might notice you’re forced to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you’d rather create a local account and sign in later, enter “no@thankyou.com” (without the quotes) as your email address and then literally any text as the password. This will throw up a message saying the account is locked and allow you to create a local account.

Windows update: After initial setup, check for Windows updates to ensure that your laptop has the latest security patches and feature improvements. Head over to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check for updates.

Read More: Exploring the walled garden: First-time iPhone setup tips

Step 3: Customisation and optimisation

Now that your laptop is set up, it’s time to customise and optimise it to suit your preferences and needs.

Personalisation settings: Explore the personalisation settings to customise your desktop background, theme and colour scheme. You can also adjust display settings, such as screen resolution and brightness, to optimise your viewing experience.

Install essential software: Install essential software and applications based on your needs, such as productivity tools, web browsers, and multimedia players. Be selective to avoid cluttering your system with unnecessary programs.

Pro tip: We’d recommend checking out ninite.com. It’s a free package management system that allows you to select a number of free programs and intalls their latest version for you in one go.

Organise your files and folders: Logically organise your data to streamline your workflow and make it easier to find what you need. Create separate folders for documents, photos, videos, and other types of files.

Step 4: Security and maintenance

Okay, now you’ll have to ensure that your laptop is secure and well-maintained to protect your data and prolong its lifespan.

Activate Windows security features: Enable Windows security features, such as Windows Defender Antivirus and Firewall, to protect your laptop from malware, viruses and other online threats. If you have a subscription to a different antivirus, go ahead and install that one.

Pro tip: Some laptops will come preloaded with antivirus bloatware like McAfee, which will annoy even the most patient among us with ads and pop-ups. Be sure to uninstall it properly with Revo Uninstaller (available through Ninite) or by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed apps then clicking on the ellipses menu and selecting Uninstall.

Read More: How to set up iCloud on your Windows PC

Set up backup and recovery options: Set up your backup and recovery options to safeguard data against accidental loss or corruption. You can use built-in Windows features or third-party backup options.

Regular maintenance tasks: Perform regular maintenance tasks, like disk cleanup, defragmentation (if you’ve still got a hard drive with a spinning platter, this isn’t recommended for SSDs) and software updates. This will help keep your laptop running smoothly and efficiently over time.

Step 5: Dive even deeper

Once you’ve completed the basic setup and configuration, take some time to explore advanced features and tips to enhance your laptop experience:

Keyboard shortcuts and gestures: Learn useful keyboard shortcuts and touchpad gestures to navigate your laptop more efficiently and easily perform common tasks. Here are a few to start with (where you see ‘Win’ we’re referring to the Windows key usually located between the Control and Alt keys):

• Win + I = Settings
• Win + L = Lock your account
• Win + P = Projection/second screen options
• Win + Shift + S = Screen capture tool
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc = Task manager (quicker than Ctrl + Alt + Del)
• Win + X = Admin tools/troubleshooting options
• Win + number row = Opens the pinned app on your taskbar
• Win + Space bar = Switch language

Accessibility features: Explore accessibility features, such as magnifier, narrator, and high contrast mode, to customise your laptop for specific needs or preferences.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for something specific, just drop the word into the ‘Search’ in the Windows Task Bar.

Power management settings: Optimise power management settings to extend battery life or maximise performance. Adjust sleep, hibernate, and power-saving options to suit your usage patterns.

Read More: Navigating the badlands: First-time Android setup tips

We get it, it’s easy to overlook its cleanliness when you’re busy. But it can lead to a myriad of issues over time. From dust accumulation hindering performance to grime buildup affecting aesthetics, neglecting your laptop’s hygiene can result in costly repairs and diminished functionality.

All you have to do is maintain your laptop’s cleanliness and it’ll properly prolong its lifespan. We’re here to help.

The deep clean

As with most things, it’s good to prepare adequately. Start by saving and backing up any important files, ensuring you don’t lose any critical data during the process.

Shut down your computer completely and disconnect all cables and peripherals. This not only prevents accidental damage but also provides a clear workspace for the cleaning process.

Addressing the outside

Begin by focusing on the external surfaces of your laptop, particularly the keyboard and chassis. Lay down paper towels to catch any debris, then gently invert your laptop and give it a shake to dislodge loose particles. If your laptop permits, consider removing the keys for a more thorough cleaning.

Armed with a soft microfibre cloth and a gentle cleaning solution, meticulously wipe down the keyboard and chassis. Take care to avoid spraying directly onto the laptop to prevent moisture damage. Instead, apply the cleaning solution to the cloth and focus on cleaning around vents and openings where dirt tends to accumulate.

And then the inside

While external cleaning is essential, don’t overlook the internal components of your laptop. Dust and debris can accumulate inside vents and ports, hindering airflow and causing overheating issues. If you suspect significant internal dirt buildup, proceed with caution.

Consult your laptop’s documentation to determine if it’s safe to open up the back and clean the internal components. Grab some cotton buds and compressed air to carefully clean out vents and ports, ensuring no moisture or debris remains trapped inside. However, be mindful that opening your laptop may void its warranty, so proceed at your own risk.

Read More: Best budget laptops to buy going into 2024

Proper screen cleaning

The screen is the window to your digital world, and keeping it clean is essential. Here, be sure to use a soft microfiber cloth and a screen-specific cleaning solution to remove dirt and smudges gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the display.

Apply the cleaning solution to the cloth and use slow, circular motions to clean the screen thoroughly. Take your time to ensure streak-free results, and use a separate dry cloth to carefully dab the screen dry if needed. With a clean and clear screen, you’ll enjoy enhanced visual clarity and reduced eye strain during prolonged use.

All about consistency

Maintaining your laptop’s cleanliness is an ongoing process, requiring regular attention and care. Establish a cleaning schedule and aim to clean your computer every few months or more frequently if it accumulates dirt quickly. By incorporating these cleaning practices into your routine, you’ll not only prolong your laptop’s lifespan but also optimise its performance and appearance.

Your laptop is a valuable investment, and it deserves proper care and maintenance. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your cleaning supplies, and give it the pampering it deserves.

Signs you may need an upgrade

First to consider is performance. If your laptop seems to be slowing down, not being as responsive with daily tasks and applications it may be time to consider an upgrade. As software and applications become more resource-intensive over time, your computer may struggle to keep up and slow you down.

Then there’s operating system support. Manufacturers typically provide software updates and support for a limited period. After that, it may not be possible for it to receive security updates or compatibility fixes. This can make using an older laptop risky, especially if you use your laptop online.

Your hardware may be ageing or obsolete. Advances in technology lead to improved hardware components, such as processors, graphics cards, and storage devices. If your laptop cannot run modern software or perform specific tasks, it‘s time for an upgrade.

Battery life is a good indicator. Your laptop battery will lose capacity over time. This means it won’t charge fully and it won’t last long making it difficult to keep productive on the go. Batteries can be replaced on most laptops but considering the cost of replacing the battery, it may be a better investment to replace the laptop.

The physical condition of your laptop may seem superficial but it is important. If you have frequent hardware failures, the screen is damaged, or there are other signs of wear and tear that affect its usability, it may be time to shop around.

You get more from an upgrade

Poor performance is not the only reason to upgrade your laptop. There is constant innovation and development in these devices to keep up with software developments and user needs, creating faster, more efficient, and feature-rich modern laptops.

What you use your laptop for helps determine what features are more important:

• General computer users can enhance productivity by investing in a laptop with superior performance, enabling faster processing and seamless multitasking.
• Business professionals, on the other hand, can benefit from increased storage capacity, facilitating quicker access to critical data, this combined with fast processing could transform the way you do business.
• Students find value in the portability of modern laptops, which are lighter and slimmer, making them ideal companions for busy academic schedules. And everyone enjoys extended battery life, high-resolution displays, and improved overall quality for durability.

Why upgrade at Incredible?

For over 30 years, Incredible has been a leader in providing innovative tech to Southern Africa. With over 80 stores in South Africa, they make upgrading your laptop easy.

Easy to Afford
There’s a payment option to suit every need, from credit, store accounts, lay-bys, devices on contract and business rentals, there’s a flexible payment plan for you. You can even trade in your old device for a value towards your new one through an in-store evaluation – depending on its age and condition of course.

Incredible Value
You don’t just get an upgrade; you get peace of mind in so many ways. Perhaps its most unique offer is that every laptop comes with a free 3-year warranty. You also get 3 months of free cloud storage backup, keeping your data secure should your device get lost, stolen or damaged. Their tech support services are also invaluable, whether you need help setting up, cleaning up or repairing, ensuring you have a worry-free experience. And, finally, you get expert advice to help you choose just the right upgrade for your specific needs.

To find your nearest Incredible store or to browse the latest deals visit incredible.co.za.

The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 emerges as a game-changer, redefining what it means to have a personal office companion. HUAWEI’s innovative approach to the “Mobile Office” concept has transformed the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 into more than just a laptop; it’s a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of the modern professional. Beyond its lightweight and portable design, this device delivers smart, user-centric features that anticipate and adapt to a user’s every workplace requirement.

The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 is designed to be intuitively in sync with your work rhythm, whether you’re drafting a report at a cafe, presenting in a boardroom, or strategizing in a home office.

Maximising Portability and Power: The Sleek Yet Mighty HUAWEI MateBook D 16

Following the theme of revolutionary productivity, the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 with 12th Gen Intel® Core i5-12450H high-performance processor exemplifies the perfect blend of lightweight design and powerful performance. This sleek laptop, which weighs only 1.68kg and has a slim profile of just 17mm, is the epitome of on-the-go convenience. It effortlessly fits into your work bag, ensuring you’re never weighed down as you move between workspaces.

The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 continues the legacy of the HUAWEI MateBook family with its signature FullView Display. The HUAWEI Matebook D16 i5 version features narrow 3.7 mm bezels on the left and right sides delivering an impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio that allows for a larger display within a compact body, beneficial for professionals who require an expanded visual canvas, offering a detailed and expansive view-enhancing productivity.

Under the hood, the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 is just as impressive. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel® Core i5- Processor and Intel® UHD Graphics also equipped with dual-channel RAM and a high-speed solid-state drive, it handles intensive tasks with ease. From data analysis and code compilation to managing multiple web pages and documents.

Enhanced Ergonomics and Efficiency: Advanced Keyboard Design

Blending functionality with design, the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 boasts a keyboard that melds ergonomic comfort with practicality and includes a dedicated numeric keypad, ideal for those who work with data-intensive applications like Excel. The individual numeric keypad allows for less finger travel compared to composite numeric keys, enhancing efficiency and convenience for users accustomed to a traditional desktop keyboard’s full range of functionality.

The keyboard is designed for user comfort and features a Soft-Landing design with 1.5mm long key travel, complemented by physical shortcut keys on the numeric keypad. This combination makes the keyboard more tactile and functional and ensures a comfortable typing experience. It is ideal for professionals who spend long hours typing documents and reports, offering relief from the discomfort associated with flatter, less responsive keyboards in portable laptops. This attention to detail reflects HUAWEI’s understanding of the nuances of professional work and the importance of comfort in enhancing productivity.

Revolutionising Remote Meetings: Advanced Conferencing Features

Equipped with AI Background, FollowCam, and Sight Correction, this laptop is a powerhouse for virtual collaboration and remote meetings. The AI Background feature intelligently discerns the user’s environment, offering a private, distraction-free backdrop for online meetings. FollowCam ensures the presenter remains the central focus by adjusting the camera’s view dynamically, enhancing participant engagement and meeting quality. Additionally, Sight Correction technology subtly adjusts your on-screen gaze, fostering natural eye contact during interviews and enhancing the interaction between parties.

These tools, coupled with AI Sound and AI Camera, create an ideal meeting space anywhere, anytime, enhancing privacy and minimising noise disruptions, perfect for working parents managing professional commitments from home.

On-the-Go Productivity: Super Device Connectivity and Extended Battery Life

The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 introduces the Super Device feature, simplifying the integration of your laptop with other devices. With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, your smartphone can serve as additional storage, or your tablet can expand your screen space, eliminating the need for extra peripherals during mobile work sessions or commutes.

For professionals with unpredictable schedules, the concern over battery life is a significant one. The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 addresses this with an impressive 56 Wh battery, providing the stamina needed for extended work hours or on-the-fly tasks.

Now available in South Africa, you can secure your HUAWEI D 16 with the 12th Gen Intel® Core i5 Processor from the HUAWEI online store or one of our select retailers.

HUAWEI MateBook D 16

One of the key features of the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 is that it is designed to give users an immersive large-screen experience, supported by the inclusion of extremely thin bezels providing an incredible screen-to-body ratio of 90%. This expansive screen gives creators a larger canvas to work off. The HUAWEI Matebook D 16 also brings a breakthrough in performance levels with the Intel® Core i5 High-Performance Processor, suitable for handling processor-heavy tasks such as programming, illustrating and video editing.

Despite its generous display, the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 is remarkably slim and lightweight, measuring just 17mm thick and weighing only 1.68kg. It embodies a sleek and elegant construction and comes in a futuristic Mystic Silver colour.

The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 boasts HUAWEI Metaline technology, which establishes ultra-long-distance connections of up to 270 metres thereby greatly reducing false signal pick-ups and creating more stable connections, enabling users to enjoy uninterrupted video streaming and conference calls. The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 also has a numeric keypad and physical shortcut keys, enabling users to work with charts, data and documents more efficiently.

Furthermore, the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 also supports HUAWEI Super Device. This enables a quicker, fuss-free way of pairing your laptop with other devices. Users can initiate a connection by simply dragging and dropping icons. Additionally, users can turn their HUAWEI smartphone into an external storage system and their HUAWEI tablet into an extra monitor space and expand the sound experience by linking the laptop to a HUAWEI speaker or earphones.

Available on the HUAWEI online store, HUAWEI Authorised Experience Store and from selected retailers, you can now own the life-changing HUAWEI D 16 Intel® Core i5 for as little as R14 999.

Available on the HUAWEI online store and HUAWEI Authorised Experience Store (including Incredible Connection and Takealot) with the following specifications:

12th Gen Intel® Core i5-12450H High-Performance Processor;
16GB LPDDR4x Memory; and
512GB PCIe SSD Storage.

Recommended retail price: R14 999.

Available through selected retailers, approved HUAWEI channel partners and operators, including Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C, with the following specifications:

12th Gen Intel® Core i5-12450H High-Performance Processor;
8GB LPDDR4x Memory; and
512GB PCIe SSD Storage.

From R699 pm over 36 months

Before we dive into the details, a quick heads-up: if you’re looking for a laptop that can handle high-end gaming or video editing, you might want to check out our guides to the best higher-end laptops. Budget laptops are fantastic for everyday use but may not pack the punch needed for resource-intensive tasks.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

1. ASUS Vivobook Go E1504 OLED | R13,000

Our pick for the best budget laptop to take into the new year is the Asus VivoBook Go OLED. While it’s the priciest on our list, it offers excellent value for money with a 15.6in OLED screen, 8GB of RAM, a generous 512GB SSD, and a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 7520U mobile processor. Perfect for multitasking and possibly casual gaming, this laptop provides solid performance that’s well worth the investment.

Pros:

• Brilliant OLED display
• Great specs for the price

Cons:

• Battery life could be better
• Speakers aren’t top-notch

2. Dell Inspiron 3520 | R10,200

If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable performer, check out the Dell Inspiron 3520. Powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, it features a 15.6in Full HD screen and 8GB of RAM, making it convenient for everyday tasks and media consumption.

Pros:

• Windows 11
• Solid build quality

Cons:

• Speakers could be better
• No USB-C port

3. Asus Chromebook CX1102 | R4,500

For those who prefer the simplicity of Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebook CX1102 is a very budget-friendly option. While it may not have the hardware prowess of its Windows counterparts, it’s affordable and perfect for basic tasks like email, browsing, and media consumption.

Pros:

• Decent port selection
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Small display with big bezels
• Not the fastest performer

4. Huawei MateBook D 15 | R12,000

Huawei’s MateBook D 15 stands out with its admirable specs and sleek design. With an Intel Core i3 processor (there is a pricier i5 version available), 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it offers a decent package for the price. The built-in fingerprint sensor and rapid charging add extra points to its appeal.

Pros:

• 65W USB-C charger
• Attractive design

Cons:

• Awkward webcam placement
• No keyboard backlight

5. Asus Vivobook E510MA | R5,500

If you’re looking for an ultra-affordable Windows 10 laptop, the Asus Vivobook E510MA is a strong contender. While it doesn’t boast high-end specs, it comes with a 15.6in display, making it reasonable for everyday tasks.

Pros:

• Comes with Windows 10
• 6in display

Cons:

• Display isn’t Full HD
• You get what you pay for

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 | R12,000

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 4 combines premium design with budget-friendly pricing. At least, this specific edition of it does. With a 13.5in touchscreen, AMD Ryzen 5-4680U processor, and 8GB of RAM, it offers portability and solid performance for everyday tasks.

Pros:

• Confident, elegant design
• Top-spec model performs well

Cons:

• Battery Saver mode is recommended for light all-day use
• Non-backlit keyboard

7. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 | R11,500

For versatility, consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5. This nifty machine can transform into a tablet, featuring a 14-inch FHD touchscreen, an AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. With a sleek design and USB-C charging, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a slimline alternative.

Pros:

• Compact design
• USB-C charging

Cons:

• You get what you pay for

8. HP 15s Intel Core i5 | R12,000

Here, with HP’s little workhorse, you’re getting a solid 15in laptop with specs to boot. The Full HD display is an ideal choice for content and everyday use. While it may not be a powerhouse, it offers fast charging, decent battery life, and an environmentally conscious design in line with HP’s environmental initiative.

Pros:

• Large screen for content consumption
• Fast charging and decent battery life

Cons:

• Could be more powerful

How to choose the best budget laptop

Choosing the right budget laptop depends on your specific needs. These options are designed for everyday tasks, so consider what matters most to you – whether it’s long battery life, portability, or a larger screen. Keep in mind that budget laptops may sacrifice some features for their lower price, but they’re ideal for simple tasks like word processing and internet browsing.

We have selected these laptops based on specs, design, performance, and additional features. If you’re open to alternatives, also check out our guide to the best tablets, which can be viable when paired with a keyboard accessory for browsing and homework.