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Best Deals on HP Laptops
Jolene Dobbin
|
October 16, 2019
Finding the best deal on an HP laptop can be a challenging experience. There are many different models and configurations to choose from, including a large variety of features, sizes, prices, and other options. There is also the question of when to buy them so that you ensure you’re getting the best available deals at the right time. If you’re looking for the best deals on HP laptops, we’re here to help.
Read on to find out how to find the right time and place for the best price on a HP laptop.
First, decide what kind of laptop you need or want
To find the best deals on HP laptops, you’ll likely want to shop around at first. However, before you do that, it will help to determine what features that you’re looking for to focus on specific usage or brands. Once you’ve figured that out, you’ll be better equipped to find the best values during your shopping experience.
1. Usage
An important factor to consider is what will you be using the laptop for primarily. Uses include, for instance:
- Business - Work anywhere with laptops that offer solid security, durability, mobility, style, and ultra-slim designs. From budget-conscious to high-end creative professionals, HP EliteBook, HP ProBook, and HP ZBook laptops all offer excellent options for business usage.
- Home - Find powerful, flexible, and cost-effective options designed to adapt to your needs, whether it's for creativity, learning, work, or gaming. HP Spectre, HP ENVY, and HP Pavilion laptops include a variety of powerful, yet sleekly designed models for home and cross-functional usage.
- School - Look for easy-to-use, secure, go-to devices for not only school, but also work and play. You’ll use your laptop for studying, projects, social media, gaming, and entertainment. HP Stream and HP Chromebook laptops are ideal for students and parents as well as for secondary computer use.
- Gaming - Play at your best wherever you are with desktop-class power and graphics performance, immersive displays, and edgy designs. HP OMEN and HP Pavilion laptops both offer great options for your gaming needs.
- Premium - Get creative with stunning designs that are crafted from fine materials, with performance, speed, adaptability, and refined features for work and play. HP Spectre, HP EliteBook, HP ZBook, and others provide several superb options that include standard laptops, 2-in-1, and convertible models.
2. Budget
Knowing what your budget is will help a lot when you’re looking for the best deals on HP laptops.
- $250 to $400: Within the lower budgetary range of no more than about $400, you’ll find functional models that will run many basic programs and productivity applications. While they won’t be equipped with the levels of processing power and performance that the higher tiers can provide, they offer the ability to check email, surf the internet, and engage in social media.
They usually boast longer battery life and connectivity options, too. HP Stream 11 laptops fit the bill with an Intel® Atom® processor, Intel UHD 400 GPU, 4GB of memory (RAM), and 32GB of eMMC storage. And you can even move up to the 14-inch display and still stay well under budget. HP Chromebooks are also ideal for this range and offer the intuitive, easy-to-use Chrome OS to which you can add applications via the Google Play Store.
- $400 to $650: There are some excellent options within this budget-friendly range that include laptops that are lightweight, portable, compact, and efficient, and have a long battery life and great connectivity options to boot. Many of them have moderately powerful dual- or quad-core processors such as an Intel Core™ 8th Generation i5 or AMD® Ryzen 3, and both Intel and AMD Radeon graphics cards, as well as some NVIDIA® GeForce® GPUs. Further, you’ll find models with at least 4GB to 8GB RAM and up to 1TB hard drive (HDD) or 256GB solid-state drives (SSD).
- $650 to $1,000: When you move to the second-to-highest price tier of above $650, you will find more models with more powerful processors with the latest generation Intel and AMD CPUs (such as quad-core and above) and Intel and NVIDIA GPUs. They’ll most likely have faster performance, increased memory and storage, and more stylish designs. You’ll also find higher-resolution displays with larger screen sizes and different form factors, such as convertibles and 2-in-1s. HP ENVY, HP Pavilion, and HP Spectre (as well as others) feature detachable (or 2-in-1) and/or convertible (x360) models.
- $1,000 and above: In the $1,000-and-above price bucket, you can find very powerful, high-performing, faster, portable, and more durable models with lots of memory (starting at 16GB) and terabytes (TB) of both HDD and SSD storage. They also feature higher-resolution displays - usually starting with at least Full-High Definition (FHD), or 1080p, as well as many models with touch screens. And the highest-end mobile workstation and gaming laptops are packed with additional features such as more ports, virtual reality (VR) capabilities, enhanced thermal cooling options, customized lighting, and much more.
3. Form factor
Another important consideration for deciding on the type of laptop you want is the form factor. These include:
- Standard - Traditional, clamshell-design laptops with a variety of performance levels, display options, and eye-catching styles.
- Detachable (or 2-in-1) - Hybrid laptops that either detach to use as a tablet or flexibly bend backward with hinges that rotate 360-degrees to enable multiple uses (this iteration is also referred to as convertible, see below).
- Convertible - Laptops featuring innovatively engineered, strong, and easily adjustable, 360-degree-rotating hinges that protect the display and keyboard across four distinct and convenient modes that include:
- Laptop: default mode ideal for working/creating/playing/gaming with an angled display and flat keyboard
- Tablet: detached display that’s folded against the back of the keyboard, giving you the freedom of movement to read comfortably or enjoy the touchscreen functionality to take notes or draw on with (or without) a digital pen
- Stand: fold back the keyboard under the display to make a stand for your viewing comfort to easily watch, binge, collaborate, or stream (hands-free) on your full screen, from wherever you are
- Tent: flip and rotate the screen to hide the keyboard, emphasizing the display for touchscreen use, gaming, and audio, and enjoy a hands-on experience when navigating applications, sharing presentations, or playing games
- Mobile workstation - Laptops that include powerful mobile processors and graphics, stunning displays, large amounts of memory and storage, lots of ports, and rugged designs. These are ideal for creative and technical professionals (such as architects, graphic designers, video editors, etc.) who need workstation-level processing power and professional-grade performance on-the-go.
4. Size
Depending on your preferred usage, the size of the display may or may not matter. But if it does, here’s a bit of guidance about what each sizing entails.
- 11 to 12-inch screens - The smallest screen sizes offer incredible portability as they’re usually the lightest systems as well, weighing approximately 2 lbs to no more than 3.5 lbs. They often boast longer battery times than larger displays, but they also lack performance capabilities and full keyboards.
- 13 to 14-inch screens - These displays are still as portable as the 11.6-inch laptops, usually weighing under 4 pounds, but they offer more productivity and performance features. There are a number of 2-in-1s (or detachable) available in this size, and these provide more choices for usability than traditional laptops do.
- 15-inch screens - Laptops with 15.6-inch screens could probably be considered the prototypical display. They usually weigh no more than 5.5 lbs, so they’re still portable, and the larger screen real estate affords the ability to get more work done or to immerse yourself in the crisp details of your game.
- 17 to 18-inch screens - These laptops boast the largest displays, and thus the perfect amount of screen size to display the type of crisp, beautifully rendered graphics that you need to work or game at maximum capacity. Their large size also enables huge amounts of processing power to fuel that work or play. Of course, everything has a price and what you gain in that processing muscle and screen size you sacrifice in portability and, often, battery life.
5. Processor
Something to consider when looking for the best deals on laptops is the processor or central processing unit (CPU) or “core” since it’s an essential component of the system. The CPU processes, receives, and directs your laptop’s data and executes its program’s instructions.
CPUs with more cores are more powerful than those with less, and they range from dual-core (or 2-core) processors to hexa-core (or 6-core) processors. Both AMD and Intel offer a host of choices when it comes to CPUs in laptops. Here is a brief rundown of some of the more common processors that you’ll most likely come across when you’re searching - starting with the least powerful and moving up to the highest-performing among manufacturers:
- Intel:
- AMD
- AMD Ryzen 3
- AMD Ryzen 5/7
Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list. In addition, the strength of the processor also depends on both the number of cores as well as the clock speed, which is the number of cycles per second that the CPU executes; it’s measured in GHz. These capabilities vary among CPUs, as well.
For instance, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, and Intel Core i9 support Intel Turbo Boost Technology. This allows the clock speed to increase dramatically and dynamically depending on tasks, giving you increased speed exactly when you need it and enhanced energy efficiency when you don’t. And some support Hyper-Threading, which is multithreading technology that lets a single CPU core act like two separate virtual (or “logical”) cores, or threads. So they can share workloads between them, speeding performance significantly.
6. Graphics
The graphics processing unit (GPU), which is also called the graphics or video card, is a single-chip processor that manages and speeds the processing of video and graphics. It’s as important as the CPU for most performance requirements in laptops and, in fact, aids the CPU by enabling it to perform other tasks. There are two kinds of GPUs. One is an integrated (or embedded) GPU, which is part of and shares memory with the CPU. The other is a discrete GPU with its own card and memory. Discrete GPUs are faster than integrated GPUs.
Here are a few popular GPUs that you’ll find in many laptops (roughly, from lowest to highest performing separated by brand). And like the CPU list, it’s not all-inclusive:
- Intel
- Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Intel UHD Graphics 620/630
- AMD
- AMD Radeon R4
- AMD Radeon Vega 3
- AMD Radeon RX VEGA 56
- AMD Radeon RX VEGA 64
- AMD Radeon VII (or Vega 20)
- NVIDIA
- NVIDIA MX250
- NVIDIA GeForce 1060/1070
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
- NVIDIA RTX 2050/2060/2070
- NVIDIA RTX 2080/2080Ti
Like CPUs, the performance of graphics cards depends on a few factors, including number of cores, clock speeds, and memory bandwidth. However, if you’re comparing specs, be sure to only compare amounts within the same manufacturer’s card or even the same GPU family, as NVIDIA and AMD use different architectures and therefore have different memory bandwidth requirements.
7. Memory and storage
Both memory and storage and important factors to consider when looking for the best deals on laptops. Like the CPU and GPU card, you’ll want enough memory (or RAM) and storage to ensure the appropriate amount of performance for your laptop, whether you’re using it for work, school, or gaming.
Look for a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run your laptop’s basic programs. You won’t be able to run too much, however, and that’s why 8GB is usually considered the sweet spot of memory requirements on most laptops. And if you’re a power user or gamer, you’ll want to double that amount to16GB.
Due to the size constraints of laptop computers compared to desktops, which have room for larger HDDs, you’ll be a bit more limited with storage options. Consider getting a solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 128GB and possibly 256GB. If you’re able to go with a higher-end laptop, you can get at least 1TB of HDD and the ability to add more storage capacity.
Buy during annual sales
Once you’ve narrowed down the factors that you’re looking for in your laptop, it’s time to start shopping for the best deals. Timing is everything. One of the best strategies for buying an HP laptop is checking out the annual sales pages. There are several opportunities throughout the year to take advantage of either major national or local holidays, business holidays, or HP-specific events, including:
- Pre-Black Friday & Black Friday: November 15 - 24, 2019
- Cyber Monday & Cyber Week: November 25 - December 1, 2019
- Intel Sale: December 2 - 8, 2019
- Green Monday: December 9 - 10, 2019
- Red Tag Sale: December 22, 2019 - January 2, 2020
- Back to Business Sale: January 6 - 19, 2020
- President’s Day Sale: February 14 - 27, 2020
- Intel Sale: March 3 - 9, 2020
- Spring Sale: March 17 - 23, 2020
- HP Days Sale: March 31 - April 6, 2020
- Mother’s Day Gift Guide: April 14 - May 11, 2020
You’ll save a decent amount, usually at least 20% to 30% (and often more), and enjoy free shipping. Be sure to put some of these dates in your calendar so you don’t miss the opportunity to return to the HP Store and grab some great deals.
Go to the HP laptops-on-sale page
Another option for HP laptop deals is to check out the HP laptops-on-sale page, which will bring you to the right place to peruse laptops that are on sale for that particular week. Once you’re there, you’ll also be able to search for HP laptops using filters such as product options (including ready to ship, customizable, or bundles), brand, operating system, processor, screen size, form factor, price range, and more.
For select products, you can save up to 60% in addition to getting free shipping and easy returns. If you find a laptop that you like, but you’re not ready to buy, be sure to bookmark the page so that you can come back and monitor it later, too.
Buy older models
Technology moves at an incredibly fast pace. And the technology that goes into HP laptops is consistently being upgraded with the latest and greatest across features that include processors, graphics, storage, memory, battery, and more. So it makes sense to take a look at some of the “older” models that may be just a generation or two behind the most recent CPU or GPU, for instance.
Take advantage of bundles
Why stop at buying a new HP laptop only? If you expand your search a little further, you can save a bundle on an actual bundle, such as a laptop combined with a mouse and external keyboard or speaker. For example, this slim, stylish, and touchscreen-enabled HP Chromebook x360 11-inch laptop includes a mini speaker and a mouse - in addition to an awesome 11 hours 30 minutes of battery life.
To take advantage of one of the best deals on HP Pavilion laptops, check out this HP Pavilion 15-inch gaming laptop. This model, which includes a 15.6-inch diagonal FHD display, a 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics, 12GB RM, and 256GB SSD storage, is already on sale. But if you bundle it with an HP Tango printer, or an HP DeskJet 3755, you’ll save more. Plus you can save money with special offers during an Intel Gamer Days sale.
Ready for the best deals
Discovering a good deal on an HP laptop involves knowing what you want combined with finding it at the right time. As long you approach the search for deals armed with a bit of research, you’ll be better equipped to get the best possible deals for the specs that you’re looking for.
About the Author: Jolene Dobbin is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Jolene is an East Coast-based writer with experience creating strategic messaging, marketing, and sales content for companies in the high-tech industry.
