Processor: Go for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.Avoid outdated CPUs like Intel Celeron or Pentium unless it’s ultra-basic use.

RAM: Minimum 8GB recommended.4GB will slow down quickly — especially with multiple browser tabs or apps open.

Battery Life: Look for real-world usage time, not just ‘claimed’ hours. A 6–8 hour battery is ideal for students and remote workers.

Display: Don’t settle for less than Full HD (1920x1080). Many budget laptops still ship with 720p panels — not great for movies or reading.

Storage: Prefer SSD over HDD. Even a 256GB SSD is far better than a slower 1TB HDD.

Build Quality & Ports: Check the keyboard feel and available USB/HDMI ports.Budget shouldn’t mean fragile — get hands-on if possible.