Best budget laptops for freelance creatives under $700

by

 Best budget laptops for freelancing

Being a freelance creative is exhilarating. You set your own hours, chase your artistic vision and turn your passion into a paycheck. But let’s face it creative careers often necessitate powerful tools without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore the best budget laptops for freelance creatives under $700 empowering you to unleash your creative potential without crippling your finances.

Understanding Your Needs:

Before diving into specific models understanding your creative demands is crucial. Are you a graphic designer needing smooth Photoshop performance? A video editor craving seamless rendering? A writer prioritizing long battery life for on the go inspiration? Identifying your core creative software and workflow will guide your laptop selection.

Top Contenders in this list.

1. ASUS VivoBook 15 F515MA:


  • Strengths: 15.6 inch Full HD display AMD Ryzen 3 processor 8GB RAM 256GB SSD lightweight design.
  • Ideal for: Content creators writers bloggers.
  • Why it shines: This versatile option balances processing power with ample storage for everyday creative tasks. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for mobile professionals.
  • Price: Amazon- 329$, Ubuy- 128129PKR


ASUS VivoBook 15 F515MA Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Large and clear display: The 15.6 inch Full HD display is perfect for everyday tasks like browsing watching videos, and working on documents.

  • Affordable price: This laptop is relatively affordable compared to other laptops with similar specs.

  • Decent performance: The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM offer enough power for everyday tasks and light multitasking.

  • Portable design: The lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.

  • Solid storage: The 256GB SSD provides ample storage space for most users.

  • Decent battery life: You can expect around 5 6 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Cons:

  • Limited graphics capabilities: The integrated graphics card is not suitable for demanding gaming or graphic design work.

  • Limited upgradeability: The RAM is soldered to the motherboard and the storage is limited to one SSD slot making upgrades difficult.

  • Average build quality: The plastic construction feels less premium compared to some other laptops.

  • Dim display: Some users find the display to be a bit dim especially in bright environments.

  • Limited ports: The laptop only has two USB A ports and one USB C port which might not be enough for some users.

  • No backlit keyboard: This can be a disadvantage for working in low light conditions.

Overall:

The ASUS VivoBook 15 F515MA is a good option for everyday users who are looking for an affordable laptop with a large display and decent performance. However if you need a laptop for more demanding tasks like gaming or graphic design or if you prioritize features like a backlit keyboard and upgradability you might want to consider other options.

Additional Notes:

  • Consider your individual needs and priorities before making a purchase decision.

  • Read reviews from other users to get a better understanding of the laptop’s strengths and weaknesses.

  • Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal.

Visit Also:


  1. Acer Aspire 5 A515:


  • Strengths: 15.6 inch Full HD display NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB RAM 512GB SSD.
  • Ideal for: Graphic designers photo editors casual gamers.
  • Why it shines: The dedicated graphics card handles demanding creative software smoothly while the SSD ensures fast loading times.
  • Price: Amazon- 469$, Daraz- 168000PKR

Acer Aspire 5 A515 Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • 15.6-inch Full HD display: Offers ample screen real estate for multitasking and enjoying multimedia content. Full HD resolution provides decent visuals for everyday use.

  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card: Capable of handling moderate gaming at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates. Suitable for casual gamers and creative professionals who need some graphical horsepower.

  • 8GB RAM: Sufficient for multitasking and handling most everyday tasks. You can upgrade to 16GB for smoother performance, especially with demanding applications.

  • 512GB SSD: Provides fast boot times snappier application loading and improved overall responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives.
  • Decent keyboard and touchpad: Users have reported a comfortable typing experience and responsive touchpad.

Cons:

  • Limited upgradeability: RAM is soldered, limiting RAM expandability. This could be a dealbreaker for users who need more than 8GB in the future.

  • No dedicated number pad: May be inconvenient for users who frequently work with spreadsheets or data entry.

  • Battery life may not be ideal for heavy users: Expect moderate battery life, especially when under heavy load or gaming.

  • Plastic construction: May feel less premium compared to laptops with metal chassis.

  • Limited port selection: Might require additional adapters for connecting various peripherals.

  • Slightly heavier than some other thin and light laptops: May not be the most portable option if weight is a major concern.

Overall:

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-57G-55T5 is a decent mid range laptop with a good balance of performance features and price. It’s a suitable option for casual gamers students and everyday users who don’t need the most powerful machine but want a capable laptop for daily tasks and some light gaming. However, keep in mind the limitations in terms of upgradeability battery life and build quality before making your decision.

  1. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14″:

  • Strengths: 14 inch touchscreen display AMD Ryzen 5 processor 8GB RAM 256GB SSD 360° hinge for tablet mode.
  • Ideal for: Digital artists illustrators designers.
  • Why it shines: The touchscreen and 360° hinge open doors for intuitive drawing and sketching possibilities. The Ryzen 5 processor handles creative applications well.
  • Price: Amazon-565$, Daraz- Not available 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Versatile 2-in-1 design: The 360° hinge allows you to use the laptop in various modes like a traditional laptop tablet stand or tent making it suitable for different tasks and environments.

  • Decent display: The 14 inch touchscreen display offers good resolution and clarity for everyday use, although it might not be ideal for demanding creative work due to potential limitations in brightness and color accuracy.

  • Balanced performance: The AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB RAM provide enough power for most everyday tasks like browsing productivity work and even some light gaming.

  • Sufficient storage: The 256GB SSD offers enough space for storing documents applications and media files.

  • Portable and lightweight: This laptop is relatively lightweight and compact making it easy to carry around.

  • Budget-friendly: Compared to other premium 2 in 1 options the Flex 5 offers a competitive price point.

Cons:

  • Limited performance: The Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB RAM might struggle with demanding tasks like video editing heavy multitasking or high end gaming.

  • Average display quality: While decent for everyday use the display might not be bright or vibrant enough for professional creative work or outdoor use.

  • Keyboard and touchpad feedback: Some users find the keyboard and touchpad to be slightly mushy and lacking in responsiveness compared to premium laptops.

  • Limited upgradeability: Most components are soldered onto the motherboard making it difficult or impossible to upgrade RAM or storage in the future.

  • Battery life: While decent the battery life might not last a full workday for heavy users.

  • Build quality: While not flimsy the build quality may feel less sturdy compared to more expensive laptops.

Overall:

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14″ 2 in 1 is a solid option for those looking for a versatile and affordable 2 in 1 laptop for everyday use. However if you demand top tier performance an exceptional display or extensive upgradeability you might need to consider other options. Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.

  1. Dell Inspiron 3510:

  • Strengths: 15.6 inch Full HD display Intel Core i5 processor 8GB RAM 512GB SSD.
  • Ideal for: Video editors web developers musicians.
  • Why it shines: The powerful Intel Core i5 processor tackles video editing and multitasking challenges effectively. The large storage capacity accommodates demanding projects.
Price: Amazon- 474$, Daraz- 141000PKR

Dell Inspiron 3510 Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • 15.6-inch Full HD display: Enjoy ample screen real estate and clear visuals for everyday tasks like browsing streaming and working on documents.

  • Intel Core i5 processor: Offers decent performance for multitasking and handling basic productivity tasks.

  • 8GB RAM: Sufficient for smooth multitasking and handling most open tabs and applications simultaneously.

  • 512GB SSD: Provides fast boot times quick application loading and ample storage space for essential files and programs.

  • Affordable price: Compared to more premium laptops the 3510 offers a competitive price point for its specs.

  • Multiple ports: Features USB A and USB C ports for connecting various peripherals.

  • Lightweight design: Relatively portable for a 15.6 inch laptop making it convenient to carry around.

Cons:

  • Limited graphics capabilities: Integrated graphics card might not be suitable for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.

  • Plastic build quality: Feels less premium compared to laptops with metal chassis.

  • Limited expandability: RAM and storage might not be upgradeable, limiting future configuration options.

  • Average battery life: Battery life may not be sufficient for a full day’s use without needing to recharge.

  • No backlit keyboard: Might be inconvenient for working in low-light conditions.

  • Potentially low quality webcam: May not be suitable for professional video conferencing.

  • The display might not be very bright: Can be difficult to use in bright outdoor environments.

Overall:

The Dell Inspiron 3510 is a budget friendly laptop with decent performance and essential features for basic productivity tasks. However its plastic build quality limited upgradeability and average battery life are drawbacks to consider. If you prioritize portability, affordability and basic computing needs the 3510 might be a suitable option. If you require more performance premium build quality or features like a backlit keyboard you might need to explore other options.


  1. HP Chromebook x360 14c:

  • Strengths

 14 inch touchscreen display Chrome OS Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM 64GB eMMC storage.

  • Ideal for

Writers bloggers content creators on a tight budget.

  • Why it shines

The lightweight and affordable Chromebook offers cloud based access to creative tools perfect for those prioritizing mobility and value.


HP Chromebook x360 Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Portable and versatile: With a 14 inch display this Chromebook is larger than most offering better screen real estate for multi tasking and media consumption. The 360 degree hinge allows for use in multiple modes laptop tablet tent stand adding flexibility.

  • Chrome OS: Chrome OS is lightweight fast and secure offering easy integration with Google services and cloud storage. Updates are automatic and free ensuring you have the latest security patches and features.

  • Decent performance: The Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB RAM provide good performance for everyday tasks like browsing streaming and light productivity work.

  • Solid build quality: The aluminum chassis feels sturdy and well made offering a premium feel compared to some plastic Chromebooks.

  • Touchscreen display: The touchscreen display allows for intuitive interaction with certain apps and games adding functionality.

Cons:

  • Limited storage: 64GB eMMC storage may be insufficient for users who store a lot of files locally. Consider cloud storage or an external hard drive for larger needs.

  • Dim display: While touchscreen the display is not very bright making outdoor use and viewing in bright environments challenging.

  • Average battery life: Battery life is decent but not exceptional lasting around 8 hours on average. Frequent users may need to carry a charger.

  • Limited upgradeability: RAM and storage are not expandable so you’re stuck with the initial configuration.

  • Price: While it’s cheaper than some premium Chromebooks the price might not be entirely justified considering the limitations in storage and display.

Overall:

The HP Chromebook x360 14c is a decent Chromebook for casual users who prioritize portability, versatility and prefer the Chrome OS experience. However the limited storage average display and price might be dealbreakers for some. Consider your needs and budget carefully before deciding if this is the right Chromebook for you.

HP Chromebook x360 Specs :

While specifications are crucial consider additional factors for a holistic experience:

  • Battery life: Opt for laptops lasting a workday or longer to avoid creative disruptions.
  • Display quality: Prioritize crisp and color accurate displays for visual projects.
  • Keyboard and touchpad: Comfortable typing and navigation are essential for prolonged creative work.
  • Operating system: Choose between traditional Windows versatile Chrome OS or Mac specific options based on your software needs and preferences.
  • Price: Amazon- 269$, Daraz- 5300PKR

Remember:

This list is a starting point. Read online reviews, compare prices and visit stores to test different models before making your final decision. Don’t forget the best laptop is the one that empowers you to bring your creative vision to life regardless of its price tag.

Leave a Comment