Back-to-school 2009 retail laptop roundup: Asus' K50IJ-RX05 is our favorite entry level model
In our current roundup of retail-specific laptops, we've divided our 30-plus systems into four different price categories, from sub-$500 entry level models to high-end ones that cost more than $1,000.
In that entry level category, covering laptops up to $499, we looked at laptops from Toshiba, HP, Dell, and Asus. Diving below the $500 mark is always risky when buying anything other than a Netbook, and we found systems that ranged from brick-like to not-so-bad. The biggest difference was in the processors, where you could find anything from a painfully slow Intel Celeron 900 to a reasonably usable Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200.
We ended up with a near-tie between the $429 Dell i1545-012B, with an Intel dual-core CPU, and the similar Asus K50IJ-RX05, which won us over by offering a nicer design, more RAM, and a bigger hard drive for only $70 more.
Two important notes -- on this particular page we're *only* talking about retail-specific models that cost less than $499. For a roundup of retail laptops in all price ranges, check here; for our latest MacBook reviews, check here.
Check out details of each system below:
Asus K50IJ-RX05 *BEST*
The good: Subtle, attractive design; comfortable keyboard; very good battery life, performance for its class.
The bad: Limited growth potential.
The bottom line: As long as you won't need more than what it already has, the budget-friendly Asus K50IJ-RX05 is money well spent.
Dell i1545-012B
The good: Dual-core CPU for about the same price as a Netbook; 16:9 wide-screen display.
The bad: Very stripped-down design; missing some basic features.
The bottom line: The Dell Inspiron i1545-012B is one of the better deals you'll find for a mainstream laptop priced less than $500.
Toshiba Satellite L305-S5955
The good: Ridiculously affordable; decent screen; handles streaming video well.
The bad: Slow, older CPU; thick and boxy; no Webcam.
The bottom line: While it's hard to argue with a $350 laptop, the underpowered L305-S5955 is, basically, a Netbook in a larger case, with slightly better video playback.
Compaq Presario CQ60-417DX
The good: Decent keyboard and touch pad, good screen, low price.
The bad: Slow processor, no SD card reader or Bluetooth.
The bottom line: Saddled with a processor that's bottom-tier, the CQ60-417DX is a budget laptop with the chassis of a superior machine but the guts of an inferior one.
Toshiba Satellite L505D-S5965
The good: Features a dual-core processor for a very aggressive, entry-level price.
The bad: Unattractive, bulky design; missing useful features such as Bluetooth or a Webcam.
The bottom line: For a price just north of Netbook territory, Toshiba's chunky 15.6-inch Satellite L505D-S5965 has a solid, but uninspiring, selection of specs that at least won't hinder your basic computing needs.
Check out the rest of the 2009 Back-to-School retail laptop and desktop roundup here.
New York native Dan Ackerman, a former radio DJ turned journalist, has written about technology and music for publications including Spin, Blender, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. He hosts the weekly Digital City podcast and the New York edition of Editors' Office Hours. Dan's new album, Tales Out of Night School, is available now. E-mail Dan. 
there is a Compaq notebook pictured next to the Toshiba Satellite L505D-S5965 description
Don't even go there. Please.
The choice is clear for me. I've never had any issues as the first two of my five kids left for college with MacBooks - no viruses, no sluggish operation, no waiting for anti-virus programs to finish their start-up cycle, no break-downs, easy upgrading, all the media they need, and a computer that lasts the duration of their college experience.
My youngest three can't wait to get their own Macs - and I'll be happy to get them one. And in case you are tempted to write me off as another rich Mac snob, I am actually a cash-strapped missionary who has to be frugal in every purchase I make - going with Macs has saved us money and, more importantly, time over the hassles of owning a PC.
And in case you are tempted to write me off as ignorant because of my occupation, let me also point out that I am the Director of Media, Communication and Technology for an organization of over 1,200 employees, so I experience on an almost daily basis the performance problems of PCs over Macs. I don't have to be a Mac evangelist inside my organization. People are switching over in droves as they get the opportunity to see how much better macs are in a rugged, mission environment.
Oh... and how about the free $289 iPod Touch?
In late 2008, I purchased a macbook unibody 13" notebook. Not only was it thin, light-weight, and relatively small, it also had a very manageable battery life of ~5 hrs. I found it considerably easier to carry to class and take notes. I highly recommend the new 13" macbook pro (roughly equivalent). I have found that most of the people in my classes that do bring laptops, bring Macbooks or Macbook Pros or netbooks (particularly the Asus 1000h). This is because they are comfortable to carry around, have long battery life, and are easy to use.
I won't consider the Operating System in this comment, because it's only software. You can put whatever OS you want on any hardware. (for the most part) What's important is that you buy hardware that fits the bill.
- by niko_osokin July 21, 2009 7:17 PM PDT
- @Dan,
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(21 Comments)*** man? Us kids who are still in school (high school or college) don't want sub-500-bucks laptop. You should be conditioning our parents to spend at least 1000 bucks for a lappy, 'cause anything else isn't gonna be enough.
Don't get me wrong; I'm not for leeching off of parents. However, if they're planning to surprise me with a new lappy, I would be pretty disappointed if I got a freakin' Eee laptop. I wouldn't tell them, but I'd return it and use the money to buy a more expensive, capable laptop.