Top 5 Affordable Back to School Laptops for Students

Heading back to school in this tough economy? Consider a basic and efficient computer. These selected models are ideal for students and cost under $500.

These laptops are ripe for RAM upgrade but offer decent processors to get students started. While these computers offer limited options for advanced entertainment, they are capable of keeping students connected to school and family. Sharing photos, videos and documents via social media sites is also a priority for these top affordable selections.

HP Pavilion dm1z Series

This HP Pavilion laptop is ideal for students looking for a low-priced, light weight option. With more than 9 hours of battery life, this laptop is also energy efficient, meeting Energy Star qualifications.

This computer also includes a VGA webcam ideal for staying in touch, ports for additional monitor connection, three USB ports and high-quality speakers. This machine focuses on speed and connectivity, making it ideal for student productivity.

Retail Price: $399.99

Acer Aspire

The Acer Aspire comes in a stylish rust brown color, distinguishing it from the other notebooks on campus. It includes a DVD-Writer and 250 GB hard drive storage space.

This 64-bit operating system brings three USB ports. While less than its competition, the Acer comes loaded with ad-supported Windows Starter software. This machine is Energy Star compliant.

Retail Price: $449.99

eMachines eME528-2012

This eMachines notebook is perfect for the student on the go. Bare bones and basic, it's designed to keep users connected. This machine is ideal for social networking, basic Internet browsing and basic word processing for reports, papers and other homework assignments.

Retail Price: $348.98

Lenovo G575 Laptop

Lenovo offers an affordable basic laptop with an integrated camera and DVR. Weighing in at under 6 pounds, this laptop is ideal for a student looking for a basic and reliable machine. Like its more expensive IdeaPad counterpart, this laptop is built to work efficiently and effectively.

Retail price: $499

Dell Inspirion 15 Laptop

This basic laptop focuses on multimedia, stressing access to photos, videos and social media sharing. Its streamline appearance is fashionable while its price remains affordable. This computer is noted for its fast start-up speed, making it an ideal machine for students wishing to take notes with the laptop in class.

Retail price: $449.99

After making this valuable purchase, students should also remember to purchase laptop locks, protective cases and any other necessary accessories to protect their investments.