HP G62-435DX

HP G62-435DX

The HP G62-435DX ($499.99 list at Best Buy) is a budget laptop in every sense of the word, from its unattractive design to its under-powered processor. You expect to give up some features when you shop for a laptop in the budget aisle, but with new budget laptops like the Editors' Choice Acer Aspire AS5742-6475 ($599.99 list, 4 stars) can be found for under $500 on sale, or the Editors' Choice HP Pavilion dv6-6013cl ($649.99 list, 4.5 stars) for only $150 more, offering more powerful Intel processors, larger hard drives, and attractive designs, you don't need to make quite so many compromises to save a buck. The HP G62-435DX has a full plastic chassis, but its champagne/bronze color is in keeping with the tinted aluminum bodies used on the HP Pavilion and Envy lines. The plastic construction is still quite rigid, and the 1.4 by 14.7 by 9.7 inch (HWD) laptop weighs 5.5 pounds, heavier than the 5-pound Acer Aspire AS5742-6475 ($599.99 list, 4 stars), but just a bit lighter than the 5.6-pound HP dv6-6013cl. The HP G62-435DX features a decorative pattern molded into every surface of its plastic chassis, a triangular tread-like pattern that HP calls "Biscotti." This textured pattern provides a good grip while carrying and prevents fingerprints and smudges from showing up.