New PC Cost: What Is The Ideal Price?
If you’ve found yourself Googling how much is a laptop in 2025, you’re definitely not alone. Buying a new laptop today feels a lot like going grocery shopping: everything looks familiar, but somehow everything costs more, half the options are confusing, and you’re not convinced you’re making the right decision.
And because laptops come in a massive range of prices, features, brands, and questionable marketing buzzwords, it’s easy to overpay — or buy something that doesn’t actually meet your needs. That’s why many people turn to repair and tech shops (like ours) that help customers choose the right laptop based on what they actually use it for.
This guide breaks down real laptop price ranges, answers common buying questions, covers Windows 11 compatibility, compares Mac vs Windows, and shows where to find the best laptop deals. If you’ve been wondering how much is a laptop for your specific needs, this guide will help you make sense of today’s pricing.
Before we jump in, keep in mind that Nerds On Call specializes in helping you get the best value for your laptop and tech purchases. If you’d like personalized advice, give us a call at 1-800-919-6373 or reach out through our contact form.
Grab a coffee. Laptop shopping is about to get a whole lot easier.
How Much Do Laptops Cost? (Quick Price Breakdown for Anyone Asking How Much Is a Laptop)
Before we compare features, brands, processors, and all the other shiny things marketers use to distract us, let’s answer the big question: how much is a laptop?
Here’s a simple 2025 price breakdown:
- Cheap laptops ($200–$400)
Perfect for basic tasks like browsing, email, schoolwork, and watching videos. Good for light users, but not ideal for anything intensive. - Mid-range laptops ($500–$900)
The “just right” category for most people. Smooth performance for work, school, multitasking, and everything in between. This is where we often guide customers who come to us asking how much is a laptop that performs well without being overpriced. - Premium laptops ($1,000+)
MacBooks, Dell XPS, high-end HP/Lenovo models. Great performance, better screens, strong build quality. - Gaming laptops ($1,200–$2,500+)
For gamers or people who “accidentally” buy a gaming laptop because the salesperson said it was fast. These are powerful, but often overkill unless you truly need them. - Chromebooks ($150–$400)
Simple, cloud-based machines for very light use. They’re budget-friendly, but not ideal if you need full Windows or Mac software.
If you feel unsure which category fits your needs, a computer repair shop like ours can usually clarify quickly — we help people choose the right option every day.
How Much for a Decent Laptop?
Another way customers phrase the same question is simply: how much is a laptop that’s actually decent? A “decent” laptop — something fast enough for everyday use but not overpriced — typically costs $500–$800.
At this price you get:
- A good processor (Intel i5, Ryzen 5, or Apple M-series)
- Enough RAM for multitasking (8GB minimum, but 16GB is the new standard for heavy multitasking)
- Solid-state storage
- A nice screen
- Reasonable build quality
This is the price range we recommend most often when customers ask us what laptop they should buy. It’s the sweet spot where you get quality without paying for unnecessary extras.
What Is the Best Laptop for Under $500?
If your budget tops out at $500 and you’re still wondering how much is a laptop that can get you through work or school, don’t worry — there are solid options.
Look for:
- At least 8GB RAM
- SSD storage
- A modern entry-level processor
- A reputable brand
Good brands in this category include Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, and HP. We frequently help customers narrow these down based on what they’ll actually use the laptop for.
A great way to check current recommended models is by browsing updated guides, like this one from CNET.
Things change fast, which is why many customers ask us to help them decide — we follow the tech market daily so they don’t have to.
Best Laptop Deals Right Now
Laptop prices fluctuate constantly. A $900 laptop might suddenly drop to $550 during a promotion. To stay ahead of the curve, use reputable deal pages.
One of the most reliable updated guides is this Best Laptop Deals list from PCWorld
If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry — many people visit us so we can compare deals for them and prevent overspending.
How Does Windows 11 Affect What Laptop You Get?
Windows 11 introduces hardware requirements that older laptops don’t meet. That means:
- Some older or ultra-cheap laptops won’t support it
- Newer processors run Windows 11 much more smoothly
- Touchscreen laptops benefit the most from Windows 11 design
- Security features require newer hardware
We regularly help customers bring in older laptops to check Windows 11 compatibility. Many are surprised to find out upgrading isn’t worth it… and that it’s smarter to buy a new machine instead of sinking money into an aging device.
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Mac vs Windows: Which Should You Choose?
A big part of comparing Mac vs Windows is understanding how much is a laptop on each platform.
Mac Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Fast M-series processors
- Friendly and stable operating system
- Great for creatives
Mac Cons
- More expensive
- Limited models
- Not ideal for heavy gaming
Windows Pros
- Huge range of options and prices
- Great for gaming
- Tons of customization
- Available for every budget
Windows Cons
- Quality varies by model
- Too many options (seriously, way too many)
When customers come in unsure which direction to go, we help them narrow it down by looking at what software they use, how long they keep their devices, and what performance level fits their daily routine.
Best Laptop Brands in 2025
Sometime the answer to how much is a laptop depends on the make. Here’s a quick overview of the brands worth paying attention to:
- Apple — Best performance per watt, long lifespan
- Dell — Great business machines, strong XPS lineup
- Lenovo — Excellent ThinkPads, reliable budget options
- HP — Solid mid-range choices
- ASUS — Great for creators and gamers
- Acer — Affordable and surprisingly capable
We repair or service all of these brands, and experience has shown us that each has strengths and weaknesses depending on the model.
Where to Buy Laptops for the Best Price
Wondering how much is a laptop and where to buy laptops without getting a bad deal? Start with:
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Costco
- Manufacturer websites
- Walmart/Target
- Local computer repair shops (many refurbish high-quality machines)
- Online deal trackers
If comparing all these makes your head spin, you’re not alone. A lot of customers bring us a few options they’re considering, and we help them pick the best one — usually saving them money and headaches.
What Are Your Needs? (Choosing the Right Laptop)
This is the #1 factor in determining laptop price.
Students – Affordable, lightweight, 8GB+ RAM, long battery life.
Business Users – Fast processor, reliable build, webcam that doesn’t look like you filmed it with a potato.
Gamers – Dedicated graphics card, strong cooling, plenty of storage.
Casual Home Users – Cheap laptops in the $300–$500 range often do the job.
Creators – High-resolution displays, strong CPUs/GPUs, lots of RAM.
Most customers who come to us don’t realize how much their needs affect the laptop price. Once we talk through what they actually do on a daily basis, the right price range becomes obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a laptop?
Between $200 and $2,500+, with the best value usually in the $600–$900 range.
Is $500 enough for a laptop?
Yes, for browsing, school, and light work.
What is the best laptop for under $500?
Models from Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, and HP usually top the list.
Should I buy a used laptop?
Refurbished is often a smart move — and many computer repair shops (like ours) sell professionally refurbished systems.
Are cheap laptops worth it?
For basic use, absolutely. For heavy workloads, probably not.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is a laptop? The truth is that laptop price depends entirely on your needs — and those needs vary wildly from person to person. Whether you’re looking for cheap laptops, premium machines, gaming rigs, MacBooks, or the best laptop deals available today, there’s a perfect match out there.
But choosing can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of models, dozens of brands, and more marketing buzzwords than anyone should have to endure. That’s exactly why repair and tech service companies like ours help customers pick out the right computer. We know the hardware, we know the pitfalls, and we know how to match the right machine to your actual daily use — without overspending.
If you’re still unsure what to buy, or you want someone to walk through options with you, we’re always happy to help you pick the perfect laptop for your needs and budget. It’s one of our favorite services, and it often saves customers a lot of time (and money) in the long run.
Happy laptop hunting — and if you need guidance, you know where to find us.
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