Best Cheap Laptop Recommendations

Do Not Buy Cheap Acer Laptops

• Consistently mentioned as having poor reliability, flimsy build quality, and various software problems.
• Weak hinges, low-quality plastics, and issues with support and design.

Consider Refurbished/Used Business Laptops

• Dell Latitudes, HP EliteBooks, and Lenovo ThinkPads recommended over Chromebooks for longevity and performance.
• Business laptops built better, last longer than consumer models, and have standard designs and BIOS.
• ThinkPads highly regarded as durable, reliable, and good value.

Avoid Chromebooks and Cheap Options

• Chromebooks criticized for limited functionality, cheap build quality, and poor longevity.
• Cheap laptops below $200 likely to be outdated, with inadequate specs and quality.
• Refurbished Lenovo ThinkPads or used laptops with 8-10th gen Intel i-processors recommended.

Alternative Suggestions

• Looking at Chromebooks or refurbished business-grade laptops like Dell Latitudes or Lenovo ThinkPads is advised.
• Acer Nitro V or Lenovo LOQ suggested for gaming needs.
• Parsec, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and Chrome Remote Desktop recommended for remote access.

MacBook Suggestions

• Consider buying a refurbished MacBook Pro with M1 chip for around the budget.
• MacBooks with Apple Silicon chips praised for performance and value for music production.
• macOS noted for stability with DAWs.

CPU and RAM Recommendations

• Focus on getting the best CPU performance within the budget.
• Look for CPUs with at least 4 performance cores for improved performance.
• Consider 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking and avoiding limitations.

In summary, while MacBooks are popular for music production, considering refurbished business laptops like ThinkPads or getting a laptop with a reliable CPU and sufficient RAM may offer better value for a budget-friendly option.