Acer Aspire 4743Z-4861

Acer Aspire 4743Z-4861

The Acer Aspire 4743Z-4861 ($469.99 list at Costco) is the cheapest of the cheap: a budget laptop with inexpensive construction, a bargain-bin processor, and chintzy features. The 4743Z-4861 isn't a terrible performer in every area - it actually outperforms similarly equipped bargain systems - but it proves that the lowest price doesn't always guarantee the best value. If you're strapped for cash, this Aspire is a real bargain, but for $170 more you can pick up the Editors' Choice Asus U56E-BBL5 ($649.99 list, 4 stars), which offers drastically better components and performance. Like many budget laptops, the Acer Aspire 4743Z-4861 uses plastic in its frame as well as its lid, palm rest, and multitouch touchpad, though it dresses them up with vaguely metallic colors and, except on the touchpad, a textured pattern. If you're after something more durable, the metal chassis on the HP Pavilion dv6-6013cl ($649.99 list, 4.5 stars) should do the trick, and doesn't cost you significantly more. The right and left mouse buttons are merged into one bar, but unlike so many other budget laptops, this one clicks quietly and softly. The touchpad, however, measures smaller than a business card and leaves little room for gestures like two-finger scrolling and zoom.