Under $500 and fits in a backpack

Remember when we were lucky to have a computer in every classroom? Now, having a laptop is a must for a student. However, laptops are not cheap and there are so many choices. So how do we know which laptop to buy for our child?

Before you read our list, talk to the teachers. They may have a laptop stand. They can at least tell you what programs and operating systems (OS) the school uses and what the kids are doing with them.

Our criteria for the best budget laptops for schoolwork are simple but strict.