about a 20% performance gain compared to previous generation processors. Now we’re sure everyone would be looking for cheap 3rd generation Intel Core i5 laptops. That’s because amongst the range of Intel Core processors, Core i5 hits the sweet spot in terms of price vs. performance. While offering value for money, it offers great performance as well and is thus the mainstream processor range, both in mobile and desktop versions. Needless to say, laptops with Intel Core i5 processors are a good bet for multimedia users and to some extent, gamers. So we’re going to tell you the top 5 3rd generation Intel Core i5 laptops under Rs. 40,000. That’s a price point most people would be looking for. However, because these processors perform better, they’re priced slightly higher on average and at this price point, most laptops come without operating systems. There are exceptions, but for these specs and for that price, here are our picks. All the laptops mentioned below have 15.6 inch screens at 1366 x 768 resolution.
Top 5 cheap 3rd Generation Intel Core i5 Laptops
Dell New Inspiron 15RWhile technically not falling under Rs. 40,000 but just a shade over it, the new Inspiron 15R gives you great specs and Dell’s signature reliability at a great price. It’s the priciest amongst the cheap 3rd generation Intel Core i5 laptops mentioned here, but hey, Dell’s aren’t really known for their low pricing. But the price isn’t for nothing, it’s the only laptop on our list with 4 USB 3.0 ports and claims the highest battery backup of 6 hours. The audio is handled by Waves Maxx Audio 3.0. Here’s the spec sheet:
- Processor – Intel Core i5 3210M (2.5 GHz With Turbo Boost upto 3.10 GHz)
- RAM – 4 GB DDR3 (expandable upto 8 GB)
- HDD – 500 GB
- Graphics – Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Integrated)
- Camera – 1 Megapixel
- Operating System – Linux
- Price – Rs. 40,800
Lenovo G580 (59-324061)
The
Lenovo G580 series is said to be an affordable laptop, and yet it
offers pretty great specs. It’s the cheapest laptop on our list and is
still no slouch in the performance department. Most internals are on par
with the competition, but it offers only 2 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0
port. The battery backup is claimed to be around 5 hours, which is a
pretty good figure. Only catch? It comes with FreeDOS so that’s really
basic functionality for that price. But with those specs, can’t really
complain, check them out:
- Processor – Intel Core i5 3210M (2.5 GHz With Turbo Boost upto 3.10 GHz)
- RAM – 4 GB DDR3 (expandable upto 8 GB)
- HDD – 500 GB
- Graphics – Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Integrated)
- Camera – 0.3 Megapixel
- Operating System – FreeDOS
- Price – Rs. 35,185
Buy Lenovo G580 (59-324061)
Acer Aspire V3 571 (NX.RYFSI.012)
Next up is the great looking Acer offering, the Aspire V3 571. It’s got all the specs from the previous 2 laptops, a better camera but just 2 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port. However, the camera is 1.3 MP and would be a good choice for people who love video calling and conferencing. It also comes with Dolby Digital Sound, the only downside is, battery backup is a bit low at 4.5 hours. Although, the price is pretty awesome, here’s the important stuff:
- Processor – Intel Core i5 3210M (2.5 GHz With Turbo Boost upto 3.10 GHz)
- RAM – 4 GB DDR3 (expandable upto 8 GB)
- HDD – 500 GB
- Graphics – Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Integrated)
- Camera – 1.3 Megapixel
- Operating System – Linux
- Price – Rs. 36,350
Buy Acer Aspire V3 571 (NX.RYFSI.012)
HP Pavilion G6-2103TU
HP’s cheap 3rd generation Intel Core i5 laptop, the G6-2103TU is the only one amongst the 5 here that comes with Windows installed. It includes a 64-bit edition of Windows 7 Home Basic, so it can be upgraded to Windows 8 through the Windows 8 Upgrade Offer. Considering the promotional upgrade will be just Rs. 699 and we can expect the full version to cost around Rs. 5000, I’d say it’s the price for the G6-2103TU is justified. Furthermore, it has the best speakers among the lot and is the only one with the Intel HM76 chipset. The integrated Altec Lansing speakers sound great and the laptop body is pretty solid too. Cons are, it has just 2 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port and the battery life isn’t much too write about at just 3.5 hours or so. Nevertheless, it’s a great offering for the price, here’s the specs:
- Processor – Intel Core i5 3210M (2.5 GHz With Turbo Boost upto 3.10 GHz)
- RAM – 4 GB DDR3 (expandable upto 8 GB)
- HDD – 500 GB
- Graphics – Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Integrated)
- Camera – 0.3 Megapixel
- Operating System – Windows 7 Home Basic (64-bit)
- Price – Rs. 38,590
Samsung NP300E5X-S01IN
Last but
definitely not the least is the Samsung NP300E5X-S01IN. Unlike the other
laptops, it actually features better specs but compromises on a few
factors. It’s mainly focused for multimedia usage. it’s the only laptop
at this price to come with a dedicated graphics card, a 1 GB Nvidia
GeForce GT 610M. It’s also has the largest HDD at 750 GB. The battery
life is also claimed to be 6 hours. Before it sounds too good be true,
let me tell you that the Samsung offering comes with just a 0.3 MP
camera and no USB 3.0 ports. However, for the price, those are amazing
specs:
- Processor – Intel Core i5 3210M (2.5 GHz With Turbo Boost upto 3.10 GHz)
- RAM – 4 GB DDR3 (expandable upto 8 GB)
- HDD – 750 GB
- Graphics – Nvidia GeForce GT 610M (1 GB)
- Camera – 0.3 Megapixel
- Operating System – FreeDOS
- Price – Rs. 37,400
Buy Samsung NP300E5X-S01IN
So here were our picks for the top 5 cheap 3rd Generation Intel Core i5 laptops, under Rs.40,000. Let us know if you have any comments, suggestions or queries!
