Get this Asus laptop with 16GB RAM and Intel Core i7 for $500
Budget laptops might be a thing of the past soon, at least budget laptops with Windows and respectable specs. That being the case, if you’re shopping for one right now, I’ve got a definite candidate. B&H is selling an Asus Vivobook with 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an Intel Core i7 processor for $499.99 ($200 off its standard price).
The Vivobook is definitely a budget model, with its plastic chassis, 15.6-inch screen (no touch panel), and older 13th-gen processor. But don’t let that immediately knock it out of contention. Even with dated hardware, this is a new laptop (not refurbished, as you’d generally need to look for to get 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage at this price range). That processor is also a 10-core model, so it’s got plenty of power for standard tasks, and the Xe graphics can handle basic gaming duties. (Just don’t expect to throw a brand-new 3D title at it.)
The extra size also comes with some bonuses. You get a keyboard with a full number pad—handy for a lot of students and data entry—plus plenty of ports, including USB-C, triple USB-A, and HDMI. At 3.75 pounds, it’s pretty portable for a larger design, too, though I wouldn’t count on a 42 watt-hour battery to last all day.
It’s got compromises to be sure, but for a budget laptop in 2026, I’d say it’s still a great deal. If you’re looking for somerthing else, be sure to check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops on the market.
